Firefighters Work to Contain North Carolina Forest Fire Threatening Homes

Firefighters are working to contain a wildfire burning in the Pisgah National Forest in McDowell County, North Carolina.

The U.S. Forest Service said Sunday anyone traveling along Interstate 40 and U.S. Highway 70 can expect to see smoke over the coming days, especially in the afternoons when temperatures are high and humidity low.

The 35-acre blaze reported July 31 is burning through steep terrain northwest of the town of Old Fort. The fire is about 20 percent contained.

Firefighters are trying to reduce the threat to private property in the Mill Creek Area.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, but firefighters believe it was likely caused by lightening from recent strong storms.