Evacuations ordered for Lake Lure as wildfire continues

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (AP) - The N.C. Forest Service says limited evacuations have begun around Lake Lure as a wildfire burns for the fourth day.

The Asheville Citizen-Times reports (https://avlne.ws/2fwS1Yx) the forest service said Tuesday the agency expects up to 35 homes in the Quail Ridge and Huntington Road areas of the Rumbling Bald Resort would be affected. Emergency personnel were going door to door to inform homeowners.

Lake Lure Mayor Bob Keith said a state of emergency was declared late Monday as flames began moving toward areas of Rumbling Bald Resort. The declaration allows for evacuations, restricts access to the emergency area and initiates the town’s emergency action plan.

Firefighters have been battling 18 wildfires on U.S. Forest Service land. A burning ban is in effect for western North Carolina until further notice.

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Information from: The Asheville Citizen-Times, https://www.citizen-times.com