The Black Bear Fire continues to burn uncontained along Interstate 40 in Haywood County, North Carolina.
The Black Bear Fire began Thursday morning when a tractor trailer overturned on I-40 near mile marker 3, and is believed to be around 1800 acres as of Saturday afternoon.
According to the United States Forest Service, the fire remained at 0% contained.
193 personnel are working in the Pisgah National Forest to contain and extinguish the fire along with three helicopters.
The fire is burning north of Interstate 40 toward the Tennessee state line, and the smoke can easily be seen from numerous areas around Greene County.
The U.S. Forest Service said wet weather Friday night gave crews a chance to put containment lines in place, in preparation for the drier conditions expected the rest of the weekend.
The Appalachian Trail is closed from I-40 to Max Patch. Cold Springs Road and Brown Gap Road are also closed. Interstate 40 remains open and drivers can expect to see smoke when driving near the fire.
Rain is in the forecast late Monday into Tuesday, which officials said could limit the fire’s potential to spread. But until then, conditions will be dry and of particular concern.
As of Saturday evening, the Tweed Fire in Cocke County remains at 538 acres, and containment has moved up to 80%. The fire has minimal smoke showing and received about of tenth of an inch of precipitation Friday night.
