Progress in Containing Winding Stairs Alpha Fire in Macon County
Smoke from the Winding Stairs Alpha Fire, which affected parts of Macon County earlier this week, is now largely under control, with the U.S. Forest Service announcing a 90% containment as of their latest update. This wildfire ignited on the morning of February 9, near U.S. 64 west of Franklin, within the Nantahala National Forest, covering approximately 230 acres.
Efforts to suppress the fire received a significant boost from rainfall on Wednesday, as noted by the Forest Service. On the same day, crews engaged in mop-up operations to extinguish remaining hot spots around the perimeter. Firefighters are scheduled to continue with patrols and additional mop-up activities along the affected area of U.S. 64.
Motorists traveling along U.S. 64 are advised to exercise caution due to the ongoing presence of firefighting personnel and equipment. The cause of the blaze is still being investigated, and the Forest Service is actively seeking assistance from the public. They are requesting that anyone who traveled along U.S. 64 between 9:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. on February 9 submit any photos or videos they might have of the fire’s inception. The Forest Service suggests that imagery, even without visible flames, could help piece together the events leading up to the fire’s report. Submissions can be emailed to derik.breedlove@usda.gov.
