Fire spreads in North Carolina forest after tractor-trailer crashes on I-40

A tractor-trailer crash off Interstate 40 sparked a blaze that has consumed 150 acres in North Carolina, officials said.

The tractor-trailer overturned the morning of Nov. 16 near mile marker 3 in Haywood County near the North Carolina-Tennessee border, the U.S. Forest Service said on Facebook. The fire was reported at 9 a.m., officials said.

Firefighters are working to contain the blaze, which is 0% contained, according to the latest update from the U.S. Forest Service. It was showing “active fire behavior” as it ate through dry woods up the ridge off the highway, the post said.

No injuries from the fire have been reported at this time, a spokesperson with the U.S. Forest Service told McClatchy News over the phone.

As of 3 p.m., the fire had reached 150 acres in size, officials said.

Haywood County Emergency Services warned that the fire was approaching the Appalachian Trail and instructed hikers not to enter the area between I-40 and Brown Gap. Any hikers must leave the area and seek safety.

There is no danger to I-40 drivers, Haywood County officials said.

The fire affects the Pisgah National Forest, and people could expect to see smoke near the areas of Hartford, Grassy Fork, Mill Creek and Snowbird, officials said.

A state burn ban affecting 30 Western North Carolina counties was implemented due to increased fire risk, including drought and dry conditions, according to the North Carolina Forest Service.

This story was originally published November 16, 2023 at 3:38 PM.