Nantahala National Forest Wildfire Summary - Monday Oct 31

A Sikorsky Skycrane dumping water on the Boteler Peak Fire

Photo courtesy of the USFS

The US Forest Service has sent out another news release detailing their efforts to fight several wildfires in the region. Please help them out by not burning brush piles, debris or using fire to clear land until after we get a good soaking rain.

PRESS RELEASE

National Forests in North Carolina 160A Zillicoa St. Asheville, N.C. 28801

Fire Information 

PIO - Deanna Younger 

Boteler Peak Fire: Started October 25 on Boteler Peak west of Chunky Gal Mountain near Murphy.  Additional ground crews arrived today to assist with firefighting efforts. Helicopters have been the primary source of suppression due to fire location. Steep, rough, rocky terrain with no road or trail nearby has hampered access. The fire area grew over the weekend from 2 acres to an estimated 225 acres as unseasonably warm, dry conditions continue. Additional boots on the ground will assist fire personnel in planning and establishing containment lines.

Jones Gap Fire: Started October 29 near Bartram Trail, northwest of Highlands.  Containment lines are still being secured. Smoke could be visible today with burnout operations. Hot spots and hazard trees are being addressed near containment lines. The final containment area is expected to be around 100 acres.  

The Cliffside Day Use Area between Highlands and Franklin is closed to allow lake usage as a helicopter dip site for area fires. Bartram Trail is also closed from Hickory Knoll Road to State Highway 106. 

Moses Creek Fire: Started October 28 on Sheep Mountain, northeast of Cullowhee.  Crews continue to patrol and monitor containment lines. The fire area is 28 acres.

Grape Cove Fire: Started October 26 near Grape Cove Branch located north of Rufus Morgan Falls, near Franklin - The Boardtree Road (Forest Service Road 388) that leads to Rufus Morgan Trailhead will remain closed 1-2 weeks or, until further notice. Hazard trees have been identified along the road as a result of fire activity. The 11-acre fire area is being patrolled, monitored, and secured as needed.

Dicks Creek Fire: Started October 23 northwest of Sylva - Patrol and monitoring continues as needed. The fire area is 374 acres. 

HIGH Fire Danger today as Hot, Dry Conditions Continue!

NO Campfires allowed except in developed campgrounds with fees.  

Read More

Nantahala National Forest Wildfire Summary - Sunday Oct 30

National Forests in North Carolina 160A Zillicoa St. Asheville, N.C. 28801

Fire Information 

PIO - Deanna Younger

FRANKLIN, NC, October 30, 2016 - Elevated fire activity on the Nantahala National Forest has prompted fire management officials to transition from district management to a Type 3 organization. The transition, effective today, enables more effective management of several fires simultaneously under the umbrella of one incident commander.    

Additional resources have arrived to assist in suppressing ongoing fires as well as any new starts. Crews from California, New Mexico, Michigan, Minnesota, Florida and Oregon have joined forces with local firefighters.

Summary of ongoing fire activity:

Boteler Peak Fire:  Started October 25th on Boteler Peak east of Murphy.  Active fire with acreage increased from 2-acres to an estimated 40-acres at this time. Suppression efforts underway.   

Jones Gap Fire:  Started October 29th near Bartram Trail, located northwest of Highlands.  Helicopters were used to reduce fire intensity, allowing hand crews and a dozer to quickly construct containment lines around the fire.  Crews are challenged by a continuous cliff line that runs through the fire as they work to strengthen containment lines today.  The containment area is expected to be around 100 acres.  The U.S. Forest Service is in unified command with the North Carolina Forest Service.  The Cliffside Day Use Area between Highlands and Franklin is closed to allow lake usage as a helicopter dip site. Bartram Trail is also closed from Hickory Knoll Road to State Highway 106 due to fire activity. 

Moses Creek Fire - Started October 28th on Sheep Mountain, northeast of Cullowhee.  Burnout operations were implemented yesterday to widen containment lines.  Crews will continue to patrol and monitor the fire area and address any smoking vegetation near the fire lines.  The fire area is 33 acres.  No structures threatened.

Grape Cove Fire: Started October 26th near Grape Cove Branch located north of Rufus Morgan Falls, west of Franklin.  The Boardtree Road remains temporarily closed.  Smoke was highly visible yesterday as burnout operations were conducted. More burnout could occur today as crews patrol, monitor and continue securing containment lines.  The fire burned about 11 acres.  No structures are threatened

Dicks Creek Fire: Started October 23rd northwest of Sylva.  Patrol and monitoring continues around containment lines.  Fire area is 374 acres.  No structures damaged.

HIGH Fire Danger today!

NO Campfires allowed except in developed campgrounds where fees are charged.

See previous coverage of the Jones Gap Gap at this link.

All photos in this article are courtesy fo the USFS of the Jones Gap Fire:

Read More

USFS Release: Nantahala National Forest Wildfire Summary

Here is a press release from the US Forest Service on the fires that have started over the last week in the area. Photos and video are by Macon Media.

National Forests in North Carolina 160A Zillicoa St. Asheville, N.C. 28801  PIO - Deanna Younger

FRANKLIN, NC, October 29, 2016

Jones Gap Fire:  Reported this morning near Bartram Trail, located northwest of Highlands.  Initial attack crews are on the scene.  The Cliffside Day Use Area between Highlands and Franklin is closed today to allow helicopters to safely dip water from Cliffside Lake to fight the fire. Bartram Trail is also closed from Hickory Knoll Road to State Highway 106 due to fire activity.  Fire size unknown at this time.

                         

Moses Creek Fire: Reported Friday afternoon, October 28, on Sheep Mountain northeast of Cullowhee.  Initial attack using helicopter water drops assisted in reducing fire intensity while dozer containment lines were constructed.  The fire area is roughly estimated at 30+ acres in steep, rough, forested terrain.  Crews are on scene today securing fire lines, extinguishing hot spots, addressing hazard trees and monitoring fire weather conditions.  No structures threatened.

Grape Cove Fire: Started October 26, near Grape Cove Branch located north of Rufus Morgan Falls, west of Franklin - The Boardtree Road remains temporarily closed while fire crews conduct burnout operations today south of Wayah Road.  During burnout operations, firefighters will be putting fire on the ground near containment lines and burning toward the main fire area.   This operation uses low impact fire to create a black area between containment lines and active fire, strengthening fire containment lines.  Smoke may be more visible.  Fire size is about 11 acres.  No structures threatened.

Boteler Peak Fire: Reported October 25, on Boteler Peak near old highway 64 east of Murphy.  Fire size is estimated at 2 acres.  Burning in steep, rough, remote terrain.  Air attack may be on the scene today.  No structures in immediate vicinity of the fire. 

Dicks Creek Fire: Started October 23, northwest of Sylva - Patrol and monitoring continues around containment lines.  Fire activity limited to smoldering large trees well within the interior of the 374-acre fire area.  No structure damage.

HIGH Fire Danger today!

NO Campfires allowed except in developed campgrounds where fees are charged.

Read More

Moses Creek Fire Information Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests Fire Restrictions Dicks Creek Fire Friday Afternoon Update

MOSES CREEK FIRE INFORMATION

The USFS and NCFS, along with Cullowhee Fire Department have been busy fighting a new fire on Moses Creek that has grown to about 20 acres. This is off Caney Fork. A live play by play of that incident is on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MaconMediaNews/photos/a.328202310559246.71575.322040194508791/1176755285703940/?type=3




Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests Fire Restrictions

ASHEVILLE, NC - October 28, 2016 - The Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests will implement fire restrictions due to the extremely dry conditions, high fire danger, and little chance of rain in the immediate forecast.

Effective October 28, 2016, the following fire restrictions are in place for the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests until further notice:

Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire is NOT ALLOWED outside of developed campgrounds where a fee is paid.

The use of portable lanterns, stoves, or heating equipment that utilize gas or pressurized liquid fuel is allowed. Charcoal fires are not allowed.

Permissible fires must be confined to metal fire rings and grills that are provided in the National Forest in the following campgrounds only:

Nantahala Ranger District Standing Indian  Van Hook Glade Apple Tree Hurricane Creek Kimsey Creek	Cheoah Ranger DistrictTsali Campground Cable Cove Horse Cove Cheoah Point Rattler Ford	Tusquitee Ranger District Jackrabbit Hanging Dog Bristol Fields Horse Camp
Pisgah Ranger District Davidson River Lake Powhatan Sunburst North Mills River Kuykendall Group Camp Cove Creek Group Camp South White Pines Group      Camp	Appalachian Ranger District Carolina Hemlock Harmon Den Horse Camp Black Mountain Rocky Bluff Briar Bottom	Grandfather Ranger District Curtis Creek Mortimer

Never leave a fire unattended. Campfires should always be put out and cold to the touch before left for any period of time.

This restriction only pertains to the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests. Visitors are asked to be very careful with fire and to obey all state and federal fire related laws and regulations.

Dicks Creek Fire

NEWS RELEASE

  

Started: October 23, 2016	Cause: Under Investigation
Containment: 80%	Location: Southeast of Dicks Creek Road,                   Sylva, NC
Fuel Type: Hardwood, Leaf Litter	Terrain: Steep and Rugged

                   

Current Size: 374 Acres 

Summary: Dicks Creek Fire incident leadership was transferred to Kelly Cagle this morning.  Cagle has been in charge of fire operations.  He says firefighters will continue to patrol along the fire line perimeter addressing hot spots and hazard trees.  Rehab efforts are also underway with crews constructing earthen features designed to disperse precipitation and reduce erosion potential along dozer lines.

The fire is 80% contained.  However, firefighters remain vigilant as warm, dry conditions linger in the region and dry leaves fall in the burned area.  A brief rain shower yesterday afternoon had little effect on the fire area.

Local events are expected to draw high visitation over the weekend.  The public is asked to be aware of high fire danger while enjoying area activities. EffectiveOctober 28, 2016, the following fire restrictions are in place for the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests until further notice: Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire is NOT ALLOWED outside of developed campgrounds where a fee is paid.

Fire Behavior: Minimal fire, smoldering, large trees well within the fire area may continue to smoke for weeks

Evacuations: None

Resources: 

Type 2 Crews: 1

Engines:  2

Helicopter:  1

Dozers:  1

Read More

Flying a Drone near a Wildfire is Illegal

PRESS RELEASE

National Forests in North Carolina 160A Zillicoa St. Asheville, N.C. 28801

Asheville, NC, October 27, 2016 - Firefighters on the Dicks Creek Fire near Sylva have reported drone activity near the fire. 

While the public is normally free to fly drones on the National Forest when in compliance with FAA regulations and US Forest Service Special Use permit requirements, drones interfere with operations when flying within sight of fire suppression or prescribed fire operations. These intrusions result in serious threats to the safety of aerial and ground firefighting personnel. 

Flying a drone near a wildfire is against the law.

"Most fire suppression efforts involve firefighting aircraft moving at low elevations. Bucket work and low level reconnaissance often occurs at tree top level. Since aircraft contact with a drone can result in death, all operations are shut down until drone operators are located," said Nantahala District Ranger Mike Wilkins. "While shutting down firefighting aircraft results in safer operations for personnel, it might prove disastrous for the life and property fire fighters are trying to protect."

Members of the public, news media, and film and video production companies should never fly drones or other aircraft over or near a wildfire. For more information, please contact Cathy Dowd, Public Affairs Officer for the National Forests of North Carolina, at cdowd@fs.fed.us or 828-257-4215.

The National Interagency Fire Center has prepared the following information to educate drone operators on the dangers of flying a drone near a wildfire.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), generally called drones, are gaining in popularity. Although drones are fun to fly, they can be deadly if flown near wildfires. Drones can interfere with wildland fire air traffic, such as air tankers, helicopters, and other firefighting aircraft that are necessary to suppress wildland fires. Aerial firefighting missions including aerial supervision, air tanker retardant drops, helicopter water drops, and smokejumper paracargo occur between ground level and 200 feet above ground level, which is the same altitude that many hobbyist drones fly.

Hobbyist drones and firefighting aircraft don't mix. All authorized aircraft on an incident maintain radio communication with each other to safely coordinate their missions, but aerial firefighting flight crews have no way to communicate with drone operators. Aerial firefighting aircraft have no way to detect drones other than by seeing them, and visual detection is nearly impossible due to the small size of most drones. These factors make a mid-air collision with an unauthorized drone a distinct possibility.

If You Fly, Someone Could Die

Even a tiny drone can cause a serious or fatal accident if it collides with firefighting aircraft. In most situations, if drones are spotted near a wildfire, firefighting aircraft must land due to safety concerns. This prolongs firefighting operations; in many cases, wildfires become larger when aircraft are not able to drop fire retardant, water, monitor wildfires from above, or provide tactical information to firefighters. Homes and other values at risk could burn needlessly, firefighters or others could be injured, or worst of all, a fatal accident could occur.

Flying a Drone Near a Wildfire is Breaking the Law

Per the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, 43 CFR 9212.1(f), it is illegal to resist or interfere with the efforts of firefighter(s) to extinguish a fire. Doing so can result in a significant fine and/or a mandatory court appearance. So, be smart and just don't fly your drone anywhere near a wildfire. No amount of video or photos are worth the consequences.

Please, don't fly your drone near a wildfire!

Read More

NC Senate District 50 Debates at WCU and SCC

WLOS-TV, Western Carolina University’s Public Policy Institute and Department of Political Science and Public Affairs hosted a debate between NC Senator Jim Davis and Jane Hipps in the contest for the 50th District NC Senate. The seat is currently held by Jim Davis.

A full video of that debate is posted below for those of you who could not attend.

WCU Debate taken by Macon Media.



Macon Media was unable to cover the debate between the same two candidates a couple of weeks ago because there was a meeting of the Macon County Commissioners at the same time. The Canary Coalition had a camera at that debate and it is posted here, too.

SCC Debate Video taken by the Canary Coalition




CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month.

If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only.

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online.


You can find out more information on how to do that and some of what I plan to accomplish if I reach certain levels of funding at >> https://www.patreon.com/MaconMedia

Read More

Thursday Update on Dicks Creek Fire

PRESS RELEASE

National Forests in North Carolina 160A Zillicoa St. Asheville, N.C. 28801

PIO - Deanna Younger

Incident Commander - Greg Brooks

FRANKLIN, NC, October 27, 2016, 10:00 AM

  

Started: October 23, 2016	Cause: Under Investigation
Containment: 80%	Location: Southeast of Dicks Creek Road, Sylva, NC
Fuel Type: Hardwood, Leaf Litter	Terrain: Steep and Rugged

                   

Current Size: 374 Acres 

Summary: Firefighters made significant progress along the fire perimeter yesterday, gridding for hot spots and using engine hose lays to spray nearly 8,000 gallons of water on smoking fuels along containment lines. Work today will focus along dozer lines on the east side of the fire area where crews will be extinguishing hot spots and taking care of hazard trees near the fire line. Patrol and monitoring will continue along Dicks Creek Road. 

Gusty winds are expected today with a hazardous weather outlook that could produce storms and/or lightning. Incident Commander Greg Brooks told firefighters during morning briefing, "We may not see any rain - lightning will be the main threat."

Fire Behavior: Minimal fire, smoldering, large trees well within the fire area may continue to smoke for weeks

Evacuations: None

Resources: 

Type 2 Crews: 1

Engines:  2

Helicopter:  1

Dozers:  1

Read More

Update on Wildfire burning near Sylva, NC

PRESS RELEASE

National Forests in North Carolina

160A Zillicoa St.

Asheville, N.C. 28801 

FRANKLIN, NC, October 25, 2016 - The Dicks Creek Fire burning on the Nantahala National Forest and private land near Sylva, NC, is now 60 percent contained at 374 acres.

The fire is located to the southeast of Dicks Creek Road. All hand and dozer lines have been constructed. Firefighters are engaged in holding and burnout operations. Local fire departments are on scene to provide protection to homes and other structures along Dicks Creek. 

Dicks Creek Road is open only to local residents. Others are asked to stay away from the area for firefighter and public safety.  

Smoke is visible on US 74 near Sylva. Smoke is expected to settle in to the valley as temperatures drop in the evenings.

The fire was discovered on Sunday morning; the cause is under investigation but is believed to be human caused. 

Approximately 72 firefighters are on scene from the U.S. Forest Service, North Carolina Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management Lakeview, Oregon, with additional personnel from Jackson County Emergency Management and Sheriff.

There is also a 1-acre fire burning on the Nantahala National Forest in the Chunky Gal area north of the Shooting Creek community. The Boteler Fire is staffed with local resources and a helicopter.

The public is encouraged to use extreme caution with outdoor fires this fall. Western North Carolina is currently in a severe drought and fire danger is extremely high. Dry and windy conditions are predicted to remain in the region through early December.

Take time now to prepare your home against wildfires. Tips on protecting your property can be found at www.firewise.org. 

Clips From Dicks Creek Road and Pond


View from US-74, southwest of the fire

Read More

Town of Franklin Board of Aldermen Planning Session for Fiscal Year 2017-2018

The Franklin Board of Aldermen met yesterday to discuss plans and set priorities for the 2017-2018 Fiscal Year. The full video and public agenda is posted below. The next meeting of the town board is scheduled for Monday, November 7, 2016 at 7 pm.






MEDIA ROLL CALL

(media outlets with reporters present)

Macon Media (me)

WFSC-AM/WNCC-FM

The Franklin Press

The Smoky Mountain News

Town of Franklin Board of Aldermen

Planning Session for Fiscal Year 2017 - 2018 Meeting

Agenda Monday October 17, 2016 5:30 p.m.

1. Call to Order- Mayor Bob Scoot
2. Adoption of the October 17, 2016 Town Board Agenda
3. Public Session
4. Downtown Parking Study - Town Manager Summer Woodard
5. Littering
6. Speeding
7. Town Sidewalks
8. Portable Restrooms
9. Gazebo
10. Whitmire Property
11. Other Considerations/Discussions
12. Adjournment

Read More

Macon County Commissioners Regular October 2016 Meeting

The Macon County Commissioners met last night for their regularly scheduled October 2016 meeting, which lasted over 3 hours. A video of the complete meeting is posted below, along with supporting documents. Macon Media will be posting video segments of the meeting over the next few days.




This is the proposed agenda of the meeting.


MACON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OCTOBER 11, 2016
AGENDA

1. Call to order and welcome by Chairman Corbin

2. Announcements
   (A) "Go Blue Friday'' for colon cancer awareness on October 21, 2016- LynnWright

3. Moment of Silence

4. Pledge of Allegiance

5. Public Hearing(s) - 6:15 p.m. Macon County Community Transportation Program Application-Transit Director Kim Angel Immediately following the public hearing, the board may consider taking action on the following items:
   (A) Public Transportation 5310 Program Resolution
   (B) Community Transportation Program Resolution (Section 5311)
   (C)5311 Designee Certification Form
   (D) Public Transportation Consolidated· Capital Call For Projects
Program Resolution

6. Public Comment Period

7. Additions to agenda

8. Adjustments to and approval of the agenda

9. Reports/Presentations
   (A) Charters of Freedom monuments - Foundation Forward
   (B) NCACC Safety Award -Charlie Eaton, Deputy Director, NCACC Risk Management Services
   (C) Recommendations from the Community Funding Pool - Karen Wallace
   (D)Broadband discussion with providers

lO.Old Business
   (A) Award of bid for playground equipment and ground covering repairs and replacement for Wesley's Park- County Manager
   (B) Capital Project Ordinance for Radio Communications Upgrade - Finance Director
   (C) Consideration of letter of support for airport project - County
Manager

ll.New Business
   (A) Macon County Public Health 2016/ 17 Billing Guide and Fee
Schedule -Public Health DirectorJim Bruckner
   (B) Agreement with Wolfe Reality Check - HR Director and County
Attorney
   (C) Assignment of bid regarding Watauga Vista, Tract D
(D) Consideration of Planning Board Appointments

12.Consent Agenda- Attachment #12
All items below are considered routine and will be enacted by one motion. No separate discussion will be held except on request of a member of the Board of Commmisioners.
   A. Minutes of the September 13, 2016 regular meeting
   B. Budget Amendments #47-51
   C. Tax Releases

13.Appointments

14.Closed session (if necessary)

15.Adjourn/Recess


MEDIA ROLL CALL

(media outlets with reporters present)

Macon Media (me)

The Macon County News and Shopping Guide

The Franklin Press

WFSC-AM/WNCC-FM




SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

OCt 2016 Agenda Packet by Bobby Coggins on Scribd

FY16-17 BillngGuide Draft 9 28 16 for BOCC Review by Bobby Coggins on Scribd

299.4 Refunds 10 01 15 by Bobby Coggins on Scribd

299.4 Refunds 10 01 15 by Bobby Coggins on Scribd

Read More

Franklin Aldermen October 2016 Regular Meeting

The Town of Franklin Board of Aldermen will be meeting tonight at 7 pm for their regular October 2016 Meeting. Live video may be seen on Livestream [LINK].
After the meeting is over and the video processed, a recorded version will be added here.

**10:52 pm** Here it is:



MEDIA ROLL CALL

(media outlets with reporters present)

Macon Media (me)

WFSC-AM/WNCC-FM

Thew Macon County News and Shopping Guide

The Franklin Press

The public agenda and a copy of the agenda packet are posted below.

Town of Franklin Board of Aldermen

Regular Scheduled Meeting

Agenda Monday October 3, 2016 7:00 p.m.

        1.       Call to Order- Mayor Bob Scott

        2.       Pledge of Allegiance- Vice Mayor Patti Abel

        3.       Adoption of the October 3, 2016 Town Board Agenda

        4.       Approval of September 6 and September 15, 2016 Town Board Minutes

        5.       Public Hearing for Re-Zoning Petition for 1281 Georgia Road 7:05 p.m.

        6.       Public Hearing on Special Use Permit for 1281 Georgia Road 7:10 p.m.

        7.       Public Session

        8.       New Business

     A.) Board Action on Re-Zoning Petition for 1281 Georgia Road

     B.) Board Action on Special Use Permit for 1281 Georgia Road

     C.) Abandonment of Street Name Whistle Stop Way- Land Use Administrator Justin Sester

     D.) Designation of Voting Delegate for 2016 North Carolina League of Municipalities Conference- Town Manager Summer Woodard

     E.) Update on Town of Franklin Water Treatment Plant Upgrade and Expansion- Town Manager Summer Woodard

     F.) Tax Releases- Town Manager Summer Woodard

     G.) Re-Appointment of Alton Sutton to the Franklin Alcohol Beverage Control Board- Town Manager Summer Woodard

          9.       Legal

      A.) Surplus Property Located at 546 Wilkie Street- Town Attorney John Henning Jr

       B) Ordinance Amendment Regrading Appointment of Administrative Offices- Town Attorney John Henning Jr

       C.)Discussion on Upcoming Ordinance Amendments- Town Attorney John Henning Jr

        10.    Announcements

       A.) Town Board Planning Retreat for FY 2017-2018 Monday October 17, 2016 at 5:30 p.m.

        B.) 20^th Annual Pumpkin Fest Saturday October 22, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

        C.) NCLM Annual Conference October 23 through October 25, 2016 this will be held in Raleigh, NC.

        11.    Adjournment

Oct 2016 Board of Aldermen.pdf

CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month.

If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only.

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online.


You can find out more information on how to do that and some of what I plan to accomplish if I reach certain levels of funding at >> https://www.patreon.com/MaconMedia

Read More