Single Publication

Size: 3,103 acres   Location: 7 miles west of Robbinsville, NC.   County: Graham

Start Date: April 12, 2025   Cause: Lightning   Containment: 29%  Total Personnel: 179

ROBBINSVILLE, N.C., April 22, 2025 - The Haoe Lead Fire is burning within and adjacent to the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness on the Cheoah Ranger District of the Nantahala National Forest, approximately 7 miles west of Robbinsville, North Carolina, and 2 miles west of Lake Santeetlah. The fire is entirely on National Forest System lands, and no private lands or structures are threatened. No evacuations in effect or anticipated. The Southern Area Gray Team is managing this fire under a full suppression strategy using existing barriers and a combination of direct and indirect tactics. The fire is burning hardwood leaf litter and shrubs in steep and rugged terrain, and much is within the fire scar of the 2016 Maple Springs Fire.

Yesterday’s Activities – The burnout operation on the south side of the fire between Little Santeetlah Creek and Santeetlah Road (FSR 81) on Monday was successful in consuming the burnable vegetation near the established firelines in this area and securing this portion of the fire. Crews on the ground were supported by two heavy helicopters throughout the day. Precipitation began falling on the fire area late on Monday and continued throughout the night.

Today’s Activities – Precipitation is expected to continue across the fire area today, greatly reducing fire activity. Fire crews will patrol roads along and near the fire perimeter throughout the day, mopping up any smoke or heat they encounter. Hoselays near the Memorial Loop remain in place. The public should use caution on all area roads and avoid travel near the fire. 

Weather and Smoke – Today will be mostly cloudy with rain and rain showers throughout the day with a chance of thunderstorms. Rain amounts of up to 0.75 inches are likely with rain continuing tonight and tomorrow. Although reduced, smoke may be visible from area roads and communities. Air quality information can be found at https://fire.airnow.gov/.

Closures - The USDA Forest Service closure order for the area around the Haoe Lead Fire remains in effect for the safety of both the public and fire personnel. The closed area includes the North Carolina portion of the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness and non-Wilderness lands in the Santeetlah Road area.

Most trails in the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness remain closed, including Joyce Kilmer Memorial Loop (TR 43). Several of these closed trails are sections of the Benton MacKaye Trail. In addition, Santeetlah Road, and the Big Santeetlah Creek area are closed to all public use.

Aircraft and Drone Restrictions - A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) continues in effect for the area around the fire. No public aircraft of any type, including drones (UAS), are allowed within the TFR area. Unauthorized drone use near a fire poses serious risks to firefighters and forces suspension of aerial firefighting operations. If you fly, we can’t.