ALARKA #5

1. Start Time & Info

**Start Date/Time/Location** The Alarka #5 Fire started near the Alarka Highlands in Swain County, North Carolina. The exact start time and date are not specified in the latest reports, but it was first reported around March 27, 2025[2][3]. **Size and Containment** As of the latest updates, the Alarka #5 Fire has grown to approximately 1,511 acres and is currently 18% contained[3]. **Growth and Rate of Spread** The fire has shown moderate growth, increasing from 911 acres initially to 1,511 acres. The fire behavior is described as minimal with smoldering, although earlier reports indicated more active fire behavior[1][3]. **Containment Efforts** The Southern Area Incident Management Gray Team took over the incident on March 28, 2025, and is currently managing the fire. There are 164 personnel on the scene working on containment efforts[3].

2. Evacuations & Closures

**Evacuations and Sheltering:** **Evacuation Orders** Initially, evacuation orders were in place for residents in areas including Long Creek Lane, Unahala Creek Lane, and Alarka Highlands Drive. However, as of the latest updates, these evacuation orders have been lifted[2][3]. **Evacuation Warnings** There are no current evacuation orders in place, but residents are advised to remain prepared. **Evacuation Shelters** An emergency shelter was open at Transylvania County Parks and Recreation, located at 1078 Ecusta Rd #9, although it is not clear if it is still in operation for the Alarka #5 Fire specifically[3]. **Road and Infrastructure Closures:** - There are no specific road closures mentioned in the latest reports related to the Alarka #5 Fire. **For more information, visit:** - [North Carolina Public Wildfire Viewer]: This resource provides interactive maps and updates on wildfire situations across North Carolina. - [Swain County Emergency Management Facebook page]: For local updates and evacuation information. - [U.S. Forest Service for National Forests in North Carolina Facebook page]: For updates on national forest fires, including the Alarka #5 Fire.

3. Current Impact

**Impacts:** **Structures Impacted** One house and one camper have been lost to the fire[3]. **School and Business Closures** There are no specific reports of school or business closures directly related to the Alarka #5 Fire. **Notable Impacts** The fire has had a significant impact on the local community, with residents previously under evacuation orders and ongoing fire suppression efforts. **Safety Concerns** **Burn Bans** A statewide open burning ban remains in effect due to the high fire danger[3]. **Air and Water Quality** There are no specific reports on air or water quality issues related to the Alarka #5 Fire. **Health Risks** Residents are advised to be cautious due to the ongoing fire situation and to follow any local health advisories.

4. Current Outlook

**Containment Projections** The fire is currently 18% contained, and efforts are ongoing to increase containment. The presence of rain has helped, but the fire situation remains a concern[3]. **Weather and Wind Warnings** While recent rain has aided in reducing fire activity, a burn ban remains in place, and residents are cautioned that the danger of burning is still present despite the rain[3].

5. Weather info

**Cause** The cause of the Alarka #5 Fire is still under investigation[2][3]. **Weather and Climate** The fire has been influenced by local weather conditions, including periods of rain which have helped in reducing the fire's spread. However, the area remains under a burn ban due to ongoing fire danger[3]. The role of extreme climate conditions, such as dryness and wind, has contributed to the fire's initial spread and ongoing risk.

Citations

['https://www.nifc.gov/nicc-files/sitreprt.pdf', 'https://www.ncagr.gov/news/press-releases/2025/03/27/update-alarka-five-fire-swain-county', 'https://wlos.com/news/local/live-updates-march-29-wildfires-swain-county-transylvania-county-firefighters-wnc-fires-burn-ban-rain']