US Forest Service personnel and contract aircraft continue to assist the North Carolina Forest Service, numerous local fire departments and McDowell County Emergency Management on this fire.
The fire is reported to be approximately 175 acres in size with 0% containment. Helicopters and CL415 Water Scooping aircraft continue to make coordinated water drops on the fire as directed by ground personnel. Firefighters are prioritizing the protection of private property and structures along the Highway 80 corridor and associated local roads.
For future updates:
Photo of a twin rotor Chinook helicopter at the Asheville NC airport (an hour after this photo was taken this helicopter was called out to assist with fire suppression on the Jumping Branch Fire)
