Cold Mountain wildfire prompts trail closures

ASHEVILLE - A wildfire burning in Haywood County has prompted the closure of several trails in the Pisgah National Forest.

The fire has burned 134 acres, according to Robert Beanblossom, fire information officer for the incident management team. It is burning in the headwaters of Crawford Creek north toward Cold Mountain.

Although recent rainfall has helped some, the fire is not contained, Beanblossom said.

It was first reported Friday afternoon. “At this point, it is human caused, but the exact cause is under investigation,” Beanblossom said.

No injuries have been reported.

Crews were working on the east side of the fire Sunday afternoon.

“The west side of the fire is being scouted this afternoon and plans are being made for suppression action,” Beanblossom said Sunday.

Multiple agencies are involved in battling the fire including the U.S. Forest Service, N.C. Forest Service and emergency officials from Haywood County.

According to the National Forests in North Carolina website, “All National Forest trails in the Shining Rock Wilderness, Graveyard Fields and Black Balsam areas of the Pisgah Ranger District are closed due to the Cold Mountain fire.”