Two WNC fires reach 95 percent containment, resources sent to Tenn.

Two fires burning in Western North Carolina reached 95 percent containment, allowing several resources to be sent to aid firefighters battling the Chimney Tops 2 fire in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, fire officials said.

About three other wildfires that remained active Thursday continued to increase in containment or have seen no growth.

The Clear Creek fire, 5 miles northwest of Marion, that has been burning since Nov. 20, was 95 percent contained by Thursday. The Horton fire, 1,450 acres burning in Watauga County, was also 95 percent contained.

More than 3 inches of rain fell at both fires in recent days, helping to extinguish hot spots and providing short-term relief, officials said.

Man charged with setting wildfires in Macon County

At the Clear Creek blaze, firefighters were unable to work on fire lines Wednesday due to rain and muddy conditions but were able to work on projects and assess areas for rehabilitation needs, according to an update.

As dry weather is anticipated through Sunday, firefighters will continue to assess and work on rehabilitation projects. Several crews will leave Saturday and the U.S. Forest Service officials with the Grandfather Ranger District will take over monitoring.

Firefighters at the Horton fire continued to search for hidden hot spots and weakened trees that still pose as hazards.

For four fires west of Asheville, including the Camp Branch fire in Macon County, Boteler fire in Clay County, and two fires in Graham County (Maple Springs and Old Roughy fires), rain continued to help firefighting efforts.

Crews on Thursday were going to continue mopping up fire lines, patrolling and clearing established lines of any newly fallen leaves, officials said. Hot spots that remain are well within fire containment lines and don't pose an issue but will continue to produce smoke.

Code Green conditions have been issued for most of the state with Code Yellow conditions remaining in several counties near blazes, according to the N.C. Department of Air Quality.

"Localized Code Yellow conditions remain a possibility today in the Asheville area, which will be downwind of any ongoing fire activity in eastern Tennessee," according to an air quality update.

Forest closures remained in effect for the Tusquitee, Cheoah and the Tusquitee and Nantahala Ranger Districts. Additionally, burning bans remain in effect for several western counties.

For information about any other active wildfires visit INCIWEB.

WNC forest fires

Camp Branch fire (Macon County): 3,422 acres and 75 percent contained.

Boteler fire (Clay County): 9,036 acres and 85 percent contained.

Maple Springs and Old Roughy fires (Graham County): 7,788 acres and 78 percent contained.

Chestnut Knob fire (Burke County): 6,435 acres and 90 percent contained.

Rock Mountain fire (North Georgia and Clay County): 24,725 acres and 55 percent contained.

Pinnacle Mountain fire (South Carolina and Transylvania County): 10,560 acres and 62 percent contained.

Information from INCIWEB.