U.S. Forest Service officials report several trail closures are in place as fire personnel continue fighting back and monitoring the Lost Cove Fire burning in the Wilson Creek area on the U.S. Forest Service Grandfather Ranger District in Avery County. The fire was first reported on Christmas Eve and is located near Bee Mountain in a remote part of the Lost Cove Wilderness Study Area, 10 miles southeast of Linville. The fire is estimated at 350 acres and 10% contained.
The U.S. Forest Service said firefighters worked on Christmas Day to construct fire lines for protection of homes and helicopters were used for water drops to reduce the intensity of the fire near the fire lines.
The fire is expected to continue to burn to the south and east into the Lost Cove Wilderness Study Area along Timber Ridge. Fire Managers expect the fire will continue to grow in size within the containment area until significant rainfall is received.
Forest Service Officials said everyone should be cautious with fire as conditions will remain unseasonably warm and dry throughout the area over the next several days.
