Afternoon Update on Area Wildfires November 9, 2016

PRESS RELEASE
Boteler and Nantahla Branch

November 9, 2016 2:00 p.m.

Currently at the Nantahala National Forest in Western North Carolina, more than 565 firefighters and support staff from more than 40 states and territories are working to suppress 18 wildfire fires to protect people, structures, and infrastructure. Winds are forecast at three mph increasing to 5-10 mph in the afternoon.  Ridge-top wind gusts of 30-35 mph are possible today. Lower level winds could have gusts to 25 mph. Strong winds will continue tonight, becoming more northerly in the evening. Ridgetop gusts of 20 - 25 mph will be possible through midnight. Strong winds will create "very active fire behavior" according to incident fire behavior analyst Ben Rowland. They will also increase the chance of fires spotting across containment lines, especially at higher elevations.   Macon County Emergency Management Activated their Reverse 911 yesterday to residents in a Code Red area shown in the map at: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5084/34238/     Proclamation of State Emergency - Macon County.  For more information visit: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5084/34242/                                                                        Additional requested crews are coming from all across the country to help fight these fires.         Boteler:  Firefighters used leaf blowers to clear the previously constructed fire line along Nelson Ridge road. Defensive burning operations around structures were successful. Structure assessment was conducted on the east and south side of the fire.  Today, stronger winds from the northwest will test fire line today. Firefighters will continue to construct fire line from Nelson Ridge road towards Chunky Gal trail. They will improve line along Pounding Mill creek to Dark Cove. They will continue to maintain and improve existing lines. Structural protection will continue to be a priority.   Dick's Creek:  Crews continued strengthening all fire lines.  Today, they will patrol, monitor and mop-up on the Southeast end.  They will also be mopping-up where possible to 50-100 feet in on all control lines, as well as checking and clean out of control lines by raking and blowing newly dropped dry leaves.   Knob:  "We tucked it in, but it's not in bed yet," said the Nantahala Operations Branch Chief Troy Floyd, at the morning briefing today in Franklin.  Firefighters continued increasing protective value of dozer and hand crew-cut lines, managing snags (the dead trees that catch fire from the low ground fire), and other perimeter controls.  Today, they will mop-up control lines 50-100 feet in by putting out smoldering remnants of the fire.  They will also monitor and clean control lines. Crews and security teams will monitor Highway 64 for smoke and traffic as fire progresses and may close the highway for safety at any time.      Whitewater: Fire crewssecured and strengthened lines.  Today, they willimprove the lines while monitoring, patrolling, and mopping-up.  Teams will continue assessing damage to trail system as time and conditions allow.   Tellico: Crews continued structure protection efforts.  They burned out fuels in strategic burnout operations in unburned areas in between the wildfire and control lines and values at risk.  One of these burnout actions was within sight of the Tellico Trout Farm on the East side of the fire.  Today, crews will work to secure structures as the fire approaches. The will hold the southern line by mopping up and patrolling.  Where needed, bulldozers or hand crews will cut away and clear unburned vegetation in lines to direct the fire away from structures, creating a more defensible space from the wildfire.  Crews willcontinue establishing control lines to the North.  The will work to secure structures as the fire moves North and East towards Needmore Road.   Cliffside:  "We want to keep this tucked in," said Floyd.   Firefighters monitored the fires' actions, patrolled, and mopped-up.Today, they willexpand mop-up of control lines 100 feet in the direction of the fire.  They also will monitor and clean out these lines.   Ferebee: Similar to actions at Tellico, fire crews improved and extended hand firelines and dozer lines yesterday.  They scouted for new line locations in the gorge to tie up flanks. Crews worked to construct fire lines down to the stream from both sides to connect dozer lines.  They worked on completing dozer lines on top of the ridge. Yesterday, Swain County Emergency Management called for evacuation of two residences on Silver Mine Rd.  Other residents on this road were advised of possible evacuations to come. Today, firefighters will scout for areas to cut off the fire spread to the North and South.  The major focus is to protect structures around Silver Mine Road and Camp Branch Road and Queens Lake Communities.   May Branch:  Crews monitored the fire, patrolled, and mopped-up.  They also checked and cleaned out control lines.  Today, they will continueincreasing mop-up distance to 100 feet in from control lines while monitoring and cleaning out control lines.   Buck Creek: Firefighters improved fire lines, conducted mop-up and patrolled.  Today, firefighters will monitor and patrol the fire.   Avey Branch, Grape Cove, Jarrett Bald, Jones Gap, Maples Springs, Mulberry, Moss Knob, Moses Creek, and Wine Springs: Crews assessed new fires and continued monitoring and patrolling, and will do the same today.

Fire	Acres	% Contained	Start Date	Closures
Boteler, Boteler Peak near Hayesville	3,504	30	Oct. 25	Chucky Gal Trail
Bucks Creek	8	100	Nov. 6
Cliffside 3 miles west of Highlands near Cliffside Lake Recreation Area	101	85	Nov. 2	Cliffside Day Use Area closed for the season.
Dick's Creek northwest of Sylva	728	80	Oct. 23
Ferebee	1,605		Nov. 5	Winding Stairs Road is closed.
Grape Cove	35			Board Tree Road is closed.
Jones Gap, northwest of Highlands	115	80	Oct. 29	Bartram Trail, from Hickory Knoll Road to State Highway 106, will remain closed through this weekend due to mop-up operations and potential hazard assessments
Knob, southwest of Franklin in the Nantahala Mountains	1,113	28	Nov. 2	Appalachian Trail from the Nantahala River at Wesser, south to Rock Gap.  Old 64 Murphy Road closed from its west junction of US 64 to Forest Service Road 67 leading to Standing Indian Campground. Rock Gap may be accessed from the south by going through Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory. Standing Indian Campground is OPEN.
May Branch Sheep Mountain, northeast of Cullowhee	175	50	Nov. 3
Moss Knob southwest of Cullowhee	7		Nov. 3	Moss Knob Shooting Range is closed.
Moses Creek	30	80	Oct. 28
Tellico, northwest of Franklin in the Nantahala Mountains	5,160	25	Nov. 3	Appalachian Trail closed from Nantahala River to Burningtown Gap. Wesser Creek Trail is also closed.
Wine Spring, 15 miles west of Franklin above Dirty John Shooting Range	95		Nov. 3	Bartram Trail is closed between Wine Springs Bald and Nantahala Lake
Whitewater	25			Trail is closed to the falls.

Safety Visibility along roads and highways may be limited at times due to smoke and fog. With more people and equipment arriving to fight fires in the area, motorists should exercise caution when driving. HIGH Fire Danger today! NO Campfires allowed except in developed campgrounds with fees. Homeowners can help prevent property damage from fires by keeping flammable materials such as woodpiles or dead leaves away from your home or propane tanks.   All residents should take precautions such as moving flammable materials like wood or debris piles away from your home or propane tanks. Sweep, rake or blow dead leaves off roofs and decks and away from structures. For more measures to protect your home from wildfire, visit the North Carolina Firewise page at http://www.ncfirewise.org/.

Fire Restrictions The Nantahala National Forest has the following fire restrictions in place: 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 use 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 only at the locations listed at the link below. http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/nfsnc/alerts-notices/?aid=37484   The State of North Carolina has enacted a burn ban for the following counties: Alexander, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, and Yancey. Under North Carolina law, the ban prohibits all open burning in the affected counties, regardless of whether a permit was issued. For more information, see http://ncforestservice.gov/news_pubs/newsdesk_2016.htm

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Knob Fire Update Morning of Nov 9, 2016

The Knob Fire, which started on the afternoon of Wednesday, November 2nd, has grown to about 644 acres as of the morning of November 9th. Here are some maps and a brief update on the fire, courtesy of the USFS Command Team. Click on any image to embiggen it to a larger size.

Knob Fire
Nov 9, 2016
Morning Update

Fire Size Aprroximately 644 acres
Containment about 28%
Personnel 27

Outlook

Planned Actions - Mop up control lines 50 feet in from containment lines. Crews will be patrolling and cleaning out control lines. Monitor Hwy 64 for smoke and traffic. Respond to all initial attack fires within the temporary flight restriction boundary established for the fire and support all other initial attack as requested by host unit or cooperators.

Projected Incident Activity - 12 hours- Fires will continue to be active until late evening or early morning hours. Expect himidity to recover to 94% with temperatures near 41F.

Weather Concerns 

A cold front will move from the southeast throughout the region. Ahead of the front, winds will gradually increase before shifting to northwest and increasing 10 - 20 mph, gusting up to 35 mph along ridge tops. Cooler today, keeping relative humidity around 40%.


Public Safety

If you wish to sign up for the Macon County Code Red automated alert system that will call you when hazards conditions are present for where you live, sign up at this link.

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Tellico Fire Update Morning of Nov 9, 2016

The Tellico Fire, which started on the afternoon of Thursday, November 3rd, has grown to about 3.417 acres as of the morning of November 9th. Here are some maps and a brief update on the fire, courtesy of the USFS Command Team. Click on any image to embiggen it to a larger size.

Tellico Fire
Nov 9, 2016
Morning Update

Fire Size Aprroximately 3,417 acres
Containment about 25%
Personnel 33

Outlook

Planned Actions - Indirect dozer line, hand lines and contingency lines utilizing firing operations and aerial resources as needed.

Projected Incident Activity - 12 hours- high potential for continued movement and growth. Fire will continue to be active on northern and western flanks with some easterly spread.

Weather Concerns

A cold front will move from the southeast throughout the region. Ahead of the front, winds will gradually increase before shifting to northwest and increasing 10 - 20 mph, gusting up to 35 mph along ridge tops. Cooler today, keeping relative humidity around 40%.



Public Safety

If you wish to sign up for the Macon County Code Red automated alert system that will call you when hazards conditions are present for where you live, sign up at this link.

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Where to Vote in Macon County

Today is Election Day, and citizens who are registered to vote will have an opportunity to indicate who they prefer in various offices from the local Soil and Water Supervisor all the way up to President of the United States. Here is a list of polling locations in Macon County. Polls will be open from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm tonight. Everyone who is in line at a polling location will be allowed to vote.

Polling Place Buffer Zones for Macon County Polling Places:

The following is a list of Macon County polling places and a description of each buffer zone in which Election Day electioneering. Buffer zones are designated in accordance with G.S. 163-166.4(a), by the County Board of Elections. Where practical set limit of the zone is 50 feet from the door of entrance to the voting place.

The poll workers will mark buffer zones on Election Day with "No Campaigning Past This Point" at the following polling locations:

1. North Franklin - Franklin Town Hall - 95 Main Street, Franklin, NC 28734
2. South Franklin - Macon County Public Library - 149 Siler Farm Rd. Franklin, NC 28734
3. East Franklin - Macon County Environmental Resource Center - 1624 Lakeside Drive, Franklin, NC 28734
4. Iotla - Macon County Airport - 1241 Airport Road, Franklin, NC 28734
5. Union - Macon County Community Building - 1288 Georgia Road, Franklin, NC 28734
6. Millshoal - Holly Springs Community Building - 2720 Cat Creek Road, Franklin, NC 28734
7. Ellijay - Cullasaja Gorge Fire & Rescue - 104 River Road, Franklin, NC 28734
8. Sugarfork - Pine Grove School - 38 Peeks Creek Road, Franklin, NC 28734
9. Highlands - Highlands Civic Center - 600 North 4th St, Highlands, NC 28741
10. Flats - Scaly Mountain Fire Department - 169 Hale Ridge Rd, Scaly Mountain, NC 28775
11. Smithbridge - Otto Community Building - 60 Firehouse Rd, Otto, NC 28763
12. Cartoogechaye - West Macon Fire and Rescue - 564 Charles Nolen Road, Franklin NC 28734
13. Nantahala - Nantahala EMS Building - 1096 Junaluska Road, Topton NC 28781
14. Burningtown - Burningtown Community Building - 250 Burningtown Baptist Church Road, Franklin, NC 28714
15. Cowee - Cowee School - 51 Cowee School Drive, Franklin, NC 28734

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Department of Agriculture Issues Open Burning Ban in Western North Carolina

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, NOV. 7, 2016


RALEIGH – Because of increased fire risk, the N.C. Forest Service has issued a ban on all open burning and canceled all burning permits for the following counties in Western North Carolina: Alexander, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga and Yancey.

The burning ban will take effect at 5 p.m., Monday, Nov. 7, and will be in effect until further notice.

Under North Carolina law, the ban prohibits all open burning in the affected counties, regardless of whether a permit was issued. The issuance of any new permits also has been suspended until the ban is lifted.

The ban on open burning is necessary because of the dry weather conditions and the potential for the increase in human-caused wildfires in the region. “Fire experts with the N.C. Forest Service feel that with the current drought situation and the number of fires burning on federal lands, it would be best to be proactive about preventing human-caused wildfires. And I agree with them,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler.

Violation of the ban carries a $100 fine plus court costs of $180.

Here are a few facts about the law regarding the ban on open burning:

The burn ban does not apply to cooking fires such as grills or outdoor cookers.
The ban does not apply to a fire within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. County fire marshals have jurisdiction over open burning within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. The N.C. Forest Service has advised county fire marshals of the burning ban and asked for their consideration of also implementing a burning ban. In addition, other local ordinances and air quality regulations may also impact open burning.
If a fire within that 100-foot area escapes containment, a North Carolina forest ranger may take reasonable steps to extinguish or control it. The person responsible for setting the fire may be responsible for reimbursing the N.C. Forest Service for any expenses related to extinguishing it.
Open burning includes burning leaves, branches and other plant material. In all cases, it is illegal to burn trash, lumber, tires, newspapers, plastics or other non-vegetative materials.
Outdoor burning is also prohibited in areas covered by Code Orange or Code Red air quality forecasts.
Local fire departments and law enforcement officers are assisting the N.C. Forest Service in enforcing the burn ban.

As of Nov. 6, there had been 2,829 wildfires affecting more than 18,158 acres on state-protected lands across North Carolina this year. More than 1,000 of those fires were in the mountains and burned 3,375 acres. State-protected lands include state- and privately owned properties.

Fire Prevention Education Team deployed to region

In addition to putting the burn ban in place for the state’s most western counties, the N.C. Forest Service has also deployed a Fire Prevention Education Team to Western North Carolina in an effort to decrease the number of human-caused wildfires there. The team is expected to arrive this afternoon and work out of the Montreat Conference Center Assembly Hall, which is located east of Asheville.

In addition to assisting with the information delivery for wildfires occurring in the mountains of Western North Carolina, the team will also engage directly with communities, distribute information and work with the media to help raise public awareness about the current fire danger. For more information regarding the mission of the N.C. Fire Prevention Education Team, call 919-218-3179 or by email at ncfsregion3fpet@gmail.com.

Residents with questions regarding their specific county can contact their county ranger with the N.C. Forest Service or their county fire marshal’s office.

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Macon County Emergency Management Still Does Not Recommend Outdoor Burning

Here is a press release from the Macon County Emergency Management that was issued last night after I went to bed:

Press Release

For Immediate Release

Macon County Emergency Services
November 5, 2016
Warren Cabe, Director

Several large wildfires in and around the border of Macon County will continue to blanket several areas of the county with smoke. Smoke from fires in the US Highway 64 West area and the Tellico/ NC Highway 28 North area will be especially noticeable. These conditions will continue into tomorrow, especially during the early morning hours. Use extreme caution when driving into dense smoke areas.

Smoke can hurt your eyes, irritate your respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases.

Older adults and children are more likely to be affected by health threats from smoke. Avoiding these areas if smoke does irritate your health condition is the best recommendation, but if that is not possible indoor air can be kept cleaner by keeping windows and doors closed as much as possible.

Conditions are still extremely dangerous for outdoor burning. Outdoor burning is not recommended until significant rainfall decreases the fire danger.

End Press Release


Macon County Emergency Management released a similar statement on November 2, 2016. [LINK]

For those of you who have been wondering why local authorities have not instituted a burn ban, it is probably because they don't have the authority. The North Carolina General Assembly regulates burning in our state by General Statute. There are also some types of burning that the state cannot regulate, like fires for warmth or for cooking of they are within an enclosed structure.

The appropriate law concerning burning can be found in Chapter 106, Article 78 of the NCGS (North Carolina General Statutes). What Macon Media believes to be the appropriate paragraph is posted below:

§ 106-944.  Open burning prohibited statewide.

During periods of hazardous forest fire conditions or during air pollution episodes declared pursuant to Article 21B of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes, the Commissioner is authorized to prohibit all open burning regardless of whether a permit is required under G.S. 106-942 or G.S. 106-943. The Commissioner shall issue a press release containing relevant details of the prohibition to news media serving the area affected.

Source: NCGS Chapter 106, Article 78

Added at 4:13 am on Nov 6, 2016

Here is a report from the USFS regarding significant fires in the Southeastern United States as of 7 am Friday morning, so the numbers may be on the small side:
(Fires that are in Macon County or neighboring counties are in bold letters)


Rough Ridge Fire in GA Started 10/16/16 3600 acres 10% contained
Boteler Fire in NC Started 10/25/16 619 acres 10% contained
Raven Rock Fire in VA Started 11/02/16 1000 acres 15% contained
Cemetery Fire in KY Started 11/02/16 100 acres 5% contained
Knob Fire in NC Started 11/03/16 175 acres 28% contained 
Tellico Fire in NC Started 11/03/16 300 acres 39% contained
May Branch Fire in NC Started 11/03/16 175 acres 50% contained
Little Elk Valley Road Fire in TN Stared 11/02/16 245 acres 79% contained
Birchfield Fire in AR Started 10/31/16 237 acres 99% contained
Cliffside Fire in NC Started 11/02/16 100 acres 80% contained 
Wolf Creek Fire in TN Started 11/02/16 420 acres 85% contained
Wolverine Fire in MS Started 11/01/16 452 acres 95% contained
Rocky Face Fire in GA Started 10/27/16 386 acres 99% contained


And, lastly, here is a breakdown of the situation from yesterday's (Nov 5th) Southern Incident Management Report as of 7 am:

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Nantahala Wildfires Update Saturday November 5th

Here is another press release from the US Forest Service on the various fires in our region. The information does not include fires that started today, including one that started in the Qualla area during the time the press release was prepared for posting on this website.

PRESS RELEASE
US Forest Service
Nov 5, 2016


In a historically active fall fire season, several fires are burning on the Tusquitee and Nantahala Ranger Districts of the Nantahala National Forest in southwestern North Carolina. When fires are discovered, firefighters try to put them out immediately, but in many situations it is unsafe for them to engage the fire directly at the fire's edge due to steep, rugged terrain and extremely flammable vegetation including dried leaves on trees and on the ground. Helicopters drop water on the fires to slow their progression, but firefighters must build firelines with hand tools and bulldozers away from the fire's edge to contain the fires.

Safety of firefighters and the public is the highest priority in managing all fires. Homes and other structures are assessed, and where it is safe to do so, protected from approaching fires with firelines, portable water tank, hose lays and sprinkler systems.

Boteler: Firefighters improved firelines on the west and south flanks of the fire and burned vegetation around homes around Mill Creek to protect them from the advancing wildfire. Fire was most active in the Pinnacle and Mill Creek areas.

Knob: The fire grew by almost 100 acres as the result of firing operations to out burn vegetation between the fire and established firelines. Smoke may be highly visible from State Hwy. 64 west of Franklin. No structures are currently threatened.

Dick's Creek: Cooler temperatures and gusty winds knocked down leaves that ignited and blew across firelines last night. "It's the most extreme fire behavior I have ever seen in hardwood timber", said Brian Browning, assistant fire management officer with the Nantahala Ranger District. Fire crews responded and stayed on the fire overnight. Fresh crews relieved them this morning. The fire spread from tree top to tree top in what is known as a "running crown fire", which is not common in this area. Area structures are being assessed.

Tellico: The fire grew from 50 acres to more than 500 acres Friday evening as firefighters attempted to complete containment lines. Structures in the area are being assessed.

Jones Gap, Wine Spring, Cliffside and Moses Creek: Firefighters improved, monitored and patrolled containment lines.

Planned Events
The Southern Area Red Team assumed management of all fires in the Nantahala Ranger District at 7:00 am today.

Boteler: Firefighters will maintain control lines and patrol, secure, and mop up areas where they burned around homes to protect them. They will conduct more burning around structures if necessary and continue other structure protection measures.

Knob: Firefighters will build firelines, burn vegetation between the fire and control lines, and mop up previously burned areas.

Dick's Creek: Firefighters will focus on protecting structures and building new firelines as well as reinforcing existing ones.

Tellico: Firefighters will hold containment lines on Wesser Bald Road and Tellico Road and burn vegetation between the lines and the fire. Crews will also build fireline along the Appalachian Trail. A fixed-wing water tanker has been ordered to support the fire.

Cliffside: Crews will burn vegetation between the fire and control lines, and mop up previously burned areas.
May Branch: Fire lines are being reinforced today. No structures are threatened.

Jones Gap, Wine Spring, Cliffside and Moses Creek: Continued monitoring and patrolling.

Ten additional crews are expected to arrive through Monday.

Additional Information

Fire	Acreage	% Contained	Start Date	Closures
Boteler, Boteler Peak near Hayesville	972	10	October 25
Knob, southwest of Franklin in the Nantahala Mountains	330	28	November 2	Appalachian Trail closed from Rock Gap to Winding Stairs Gap. Old 64 Murphy Road closed from its west junction of US 64 to Forest Service Road 67 leading to Standing Indian Campground. Rock Gap may be accessed from the south by going     through Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory. Standing Indian Campground is OPEN.
Tellico, northwest of Franklin in the Nantahala Mountains	567	39	November 3	Appalachian Trail closed from Nantahala River to Burningtown Gap. Wesser Creek Trail is also closed.
May Branch Sheep Mountain, northeast of Cullowhee	175	50	November 3
Moss Knob southwest of Cullowhee	5		November 3	Moss Knob Shooting Range is closed due to firefighters
Cliffside 3 miles west of Highlands near Cliffside Lake Recreation Area	104	80	November 2	Cliffside Day Use Area closed for the season.
Dick's Creek northwest of Sylva	374	80	October 23
Moses Creek	33	80	October 28
Jones Gap, northwest of Highlands	17	80	October 29	Bartram Trail, from Hickory Knoll Road to State Highway 106, will remain closed through this weekend due to mop up operations and potential hazard assessments
Wine Spring, 15 miles west of Franklin above Dirty John Shooting Range	95		November 3	Bartram Trail is closed between Wine Springs Bald and Nantahala Lake

Visibility along Highway 64 may be limited at times due to smoke. With more people and equipment arriving to fight fires in the area, motorists should exercise caution when driving. HIGH Fire Danger today! NO Campfires allowed except in developed campgrounds with fees. Homeowners can prevent property damage from fires by keeping flammable materials such as woodpiles or dead leaves away from your home or propane tanks.

The Nantahala National Forest has the following fire restrictions in place:
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 use 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 only at the locations listed at the link below.
http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/nfsnc/alerts-notices/?aid=37484


DAY SPONSOR

A sponsorship for today has been made on behalf of the Roy Cooper for Governor Campaign.

You may find out more about where Roy Cooper stands on the issues at http://www.roycooper.com

*note* Sponsorships by candidates or campaigns for the 2016 election cycle will only be accepted for the period between Oct 20th and November 8th.

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Jury Finds Leslie Cox Found Guilty of Trafficking in Methamphetamine Sentenced to 225 to 282 Months

A jury has found Leslie Junior Cox guilty of Trafficking in Methamphetamine in a quantity of over 400 grams, Possession of Marijuana up to an ounce, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession  of Methamphetamine with Intent to Manufacture, Sell and Deliver.  I'll have the exact nature of the charges late Monday morning and a short narrative of the trial later in the week.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Eric Bellas.

After the jury was dismissed, Judge Gregory Horne sentenced Leslie Junior Cox to not less than 225 months nor more than 282 months in the North Carolina department of Adult Corrections. Cox was also fined $350,000, ordered to pay attorney fees of $4,760, a $600 Lab Fee to the NC SBI Crime Lab. He was also given credit for 329 days of pretrial custody toward his sentence.

His attorney, Stephanie Lepre, filed a notice of appeal and asked that an appeals attorney be assigned to his case.

Macon Media was the only media outlet present in the court room for the trial, verdict and sentencing.

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 

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Nantahala National Forest Initial Attack Fire Summary, Friday, November 4

   PRESS RELEASE

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

Firefighters have responded to at least 13 fire starts on the Nantahala National Forest in the past 13 days. Six of those fires started in the past two days. Fire activity, dispersed throughout the forest, is taxing fire resources. Two 20-person crews arrived this week from Kentucky and New Mexico to help battle the blazes.

Cooler temperatures have not reduced fire danger because moisture levels in vegetation are continuing to decrease. Drier vegetation increases fire risk. Fire sizes range from 5 acres to several hundred acres.

The most active fires at this time include:

Tellico Fire - located northwest of Franklin in the Nantahala Mountains.  Crews continue to construct containment lines today. Helicopters may be used in fire suppression efforts.  Fire size is currently estimated at 50 acres. The Appalachian Trail from the Nantahala River to Burningtown Gap is closed. The closure also includes Wesser Creek Trail.

Moss Knob Fire - located southwest of Cullowhee. Dozer line was completed around the fire just after dark last night.  Fire size is estimated at 5 acres. Firelines are being reinforced today. The Moss Knob Shooting Range is closed due to firefighters working in the area.

May Branch Fire- located west of Nantahala Lake near Nantahala and Andrews. Fire size is estimated at 175 acres. Containment lines are being reinforced today. No structures threatened.

Knob Fire - located southwest of Franklin in the Nantahala Mountains.  Fire size is about 250 acres. Crews conducted burnout operations yesterday and last night to reinforce fire lines. Additional burnout may be needed today. No structures are currently threatened.  Standing Indian Campground is open. The Appalachian Trail is closed from Rock Gap to Winding Stairs Gap. Access to the campground is via West Old Murphy Road.

Wine Spring Fire - located about 15 miles West of Franklin on the mountain above Dirty John Shooting Range. Acreage is currently estimated at 94 acres. Firefighters continue to patrol and monitor fire lines. Due to fire activity, the Bartram Trail is closed between Wine Springs Bald and Nantahala Lake.

Cliffside Fire - located about three miles west of Highlands near the Cliffside Lake Recreation Area. Fire size is estimated at 99 acres.  Firefighters are improving containment lines today. Smoke may be visible from burnout operations. No structures are reported to be in the immediate area. The Cliffside Day Use Area closed for the season on November 1.

Bartram Trail, from Hickory Knoll Road to State Highway 106, will remain closed through this weekend due to mop up operations and potential hazard identifications from the Jones Gap Fire.

HIGH Fire Danger continues!!

NO Campfires allowed except in developed campgrounds with fees.

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Mapping Wildfires Near Macon County Oct 23rd - Nov 3rd

There have been a lot of wildfires reported in western North Carolina over the last two weeks, and it has been hard keeping up with what has been a busy fire season. The US Forest Service have been great in sending out information on the fires in the region.

Macon Media has been keeping notes on these fires. Using data from the US Forest Service, NC Forest Service, and information heard on the radio frequency scanner, several of the fires have been plotted. Included is the name of the fire, and when known, the last known size of the fire. Not all these fires are active fires, and some may have grown larger than is recorded here. This map is only meant as a general guide to where fires have been located.

Not listed here are a dozen or so small fires that area fire departments have responded to and quickly put out before they became large fires. As usual with all Macon Media maps and photos, click on the image in order to see a larger version.

Periodically, additional maps will be posted as the fire season progresses.

Since there is no substantial rain in the forecast for at least the next 7 to 10 days, please refrain from outdoor burning until after that time. The National Forest has closed sections of several hiking trails in the region and has limited campfires to just developed campgrounds with fees.

Macon Media tries to cover public safety events in real time via social media, and the place to follow that effort is on Macon Media News Weather and Information.

Previous Coverage of the Wildfires
(in reverse chronological order)

Emergency Trail and Road Closures on Nantahala National Forest

Nantahala National Forest Wildfire Summary - November 2 

Macon County Emergency Management Does Not Recommend Outdoor Burning Due to Excessively Dry Conditions 

Nantahala National Forest Wildfire Summary - Monday Oct 31

Nantahala National Forest Wildfire Summary - Sunday Oct 30 

USFS Release: Nantahala National Forest Wildfire Summary 

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

Flying a Drone Near a Wildfire is Illegal 

Thursday Update on Dicks Creek Fire 

Update on Wildfire Burning Near Sylva, NC 

Fire Departments Extinguish Loose Fires on Cowee Mountain 



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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.


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Emergency Trail and Road Closures on Nantahala National Forest

PRESS RELEASE

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

FRANKLIN, NC - November 3, 2016 - Fire activity on the Nantahala Ranger District have resulted in trail and closures as follows:  

The Appalachian Trail from the Nantahala River to Burningtown Gap is closed due to a new fire that started Thursday afternoon.  The Tellico Fire is actively burning in that area.  The closure also includes Wesser Creek Trail in the same area.

The Appalachian Trail is closed from Rock Gap to Winding Stairs Gap. Old 64 Murphy Road is closed from its west junction of US 64 to Forest Service Road 67 leading to Standing Indian Campground.  Rock Gap may be accessed from the south by going through Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory.  Closures have resulted from the Knob Creek Fire that started on Wednesday.

Bartram Trail is closed between Wine Springs Bald and Nantahala Lake due to the Wine Spring Fire.

Bartram Trail, from Hickory Knoll Road to State Highway 106, will remain closed through this weekend due to mop up operations and potential hazard assessments from the Jones Gap Fire.

NO Campfires allowed except in developed campgrounds with fees.  

Read More

Nantahala National Forest Wildfire Summary Wednesday, November 2

Here is the latest update from the USFS regarding several fires in our region. There are several fires that have broken out today that are not on this list, including the Buck Knob Fire near Wallace Gap.

Due to the extremely dry conditions the Macon County Emergency Management does not advise open burning at this time. These conditions will likely continue for at least another week. [Read More]

PRESS RELEASE

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

Wine Spring Fire - Crews in the Nantahala National Forest are on the scene of a new fire located about 15 miles west of Franklin. The fire size was last reported to be more than five acres. Helicopter support and ground crews are on the scene and en-route for initial attack. No structures are reported to be in the fire area. High fire danger alerts remain in effect.

Boteler Peak Fire - 380 acres - The fire is slowly spreading out on top of the mountain, and fire management officials say they want to keep it there. Dozer lines were constructed on Tuesday behind structures near the mountain as a precautionary measure. A Type 1 Incident Management Team briefed with the Nantahala National Forest this morning. The team is expected to be set up to manage the fire on Thursday. 

The fire is located in a roadless area west of Chunky Gal Mountain near Hayesville. Steep, rocky, inaccessible, forested terrain is adding to the complexity of firefighting efforts. Helicopters are being utilized daily to drop water on the fire area, slowing fire progression.
Firefighters on the ground are scouting the terrain to identify potential hand line and anchor point locations.

This is the final report on four other fires on the Nantahala National Forest: The Jones Gap, Moses Creek, Grape Cove, and Dicks Creek fires are being checked and patrolled as necessary.

Bartram Trail, from Hickory Knoll Road to State Highway 106, will remain closed through this weekend

The Boardtree Road (Forest Service Road 388) that leads to Rufus Morgan Trailhead is open.


HIGH Fire Danger today as Hot, Dry Conditions Continue!

NO Campfires allowed except in developed campgrounds with fees.

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Macon County Emergency Management Does Not Recommend Outdoor Burning Due to Excessively Dry Conditions

This just in from the Macon County Emergency Management.

Press Release

For Immediate Release

Macon County Emergency Services
November 2, 2016

Warren Cabe, Director

Extremely dry conditions have increased the danger of wildfire in Macon County. The Macon County Fire Marshal's office does not recommend outdoor burning until significant rainfall occurs in the area. If outdoor burning does occur, monitor weather conditions closely to prevent the fire from spreading, keep tools and water close by to help prevent spreading, and never leave a fire unattended. Several fires have already affected Macon County and a wildfire can pose significant threats to both lives and properties.

#WNCscan #MaconSafety #WNCnews

**note** 5:17 pm I have been in court all day, and I have not been able to listen to the scanner at MaconScan.com 

From what I have been able to determine since 5:00 pm, is that there are multiple fires burning in the region. The fire to our west may be what they are calling the "Buck Knob Fire."  It is in the same location as the fire on Buck Knob earlier this year.

These events should impress upon everyone that burning outdoors is not a wise choice at this time.

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Fouts Accepts Plea Arrangement in Son's Death

At 4:38 pm this afternoon, Ricky Lee Fouts was sentenced to 51-74 months in the custody of the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections after accepting a plea arrangement with the District Attorneys Office where he plead guilty to Voluntary Manslaughter in the death of his son, Cy Levi Fouts after an altercation on November 13, 2012 after a single gunshot wound to the abdomen.

Part of the sentence requires Fouts to make restitution to Celia Carpenter, the mother of Levi, in the amount of $7,421.63 upon his release from prison while on Advanced Supervised Probation.

Macon Media was the only media outlet present in the court room during the sentencing phase.

Fouts was originally scheduled to plead guilty Monday morning, but was determined to be intoxicated after admitting to using alcohol the night before. His Blood Alcohol Content on Monday was determined to be 0.14%.

A more detailed report of the sentencing will be published after this term of Superior Court is finished.

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Explosion and Fire Closes Colonial Pipeline Again

Air Support was dispatched to provide bird's eye view of gas line fire. pic.twitter.com/uHmScvGND9

— Jeff Co Sheriff (@JeffCoSheriff) November 1, 2016

An explosion has claimed the life of a member of a contract crew working on the Colonial Pipeline yesterday. The pipeline is shut down again, but it is currently unknown how long it will be shut down or the impact to the east coast fuel supply situation. The pipeline was shut down for several days in September of this year, resulting in a gas crunch in our region. [Read more]

If the pipeline is shut down long enough to cause a supply shock, please remember to not panic and top off your tank every time you see a gas station with fuel. Just fill up as you normally would, and that will help minimize any inconvenience to refueling your vehicles.

Stunning view of Colonial pipeline explosion fire from @AlabasterFire. God bless the first responders on this scene. pic.twitter.com/im0hnzQJr8

— Beth Shelburne (@bshelburne) October 31, 2016

PRESS RELEASE
Colonial Pipeline

Shortly before 3:00 pm EDT on October 31st, a contract crew working on Colonial’s gasoline pipeline (Line 1) in Shelby Co., Alabama, experienced an incident when the trackhoe it was using hit the line. Gasoline was ignited and caused a fire, which continues to burn.

Five individuals were transported to Birmingham-area hospitals for treatment, and there was one fatality recorded at the scene. Our deepest condolences go out tonight to the family and friends of the person who was lost today, and our thoughts and prayers are with those who were injured.

The Alabama Forestry Commission and Shelby County emergency responders, supplemented by mutual aid from surrounding counties, responded to the incident site immediately, and we wish to extend our thanks and appreciation for their continued service and efforts.

After the incident occurred, Colonial shut down its two mainlines, which traverse Shelby County. Those lines remain down at this hour.

The incident location is several miles from the site of a Sept. 9 spill in Shelby County.

---END PRESS RELEASE---

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