North Carolina Haoe Fire Updatel 16, 2025

 

Joyce Kilmer Memorial Loop Trail closed due to fire risk

ROBBINSVILLE, N.C., April 16, 2025 – Firefighters continue to respond to the Haoe Fire, which has grown to approximately 800 acres within the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness Area on the Nantahala National Forest.

Out of an abundance of caution, the USDA Forest Service has expanded the official closure for the area to now include the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Loop Trail and Recreation Area to ensure firefighter and public safety.

Visitors are advised to avoid the closure area and exercise caution while traveling on surrounding roads. Fire traffic is present on roadways and smoke may impact visibility. Smoke may be visible from Robbinsville, N.C. and surrounding communities.

 The rugged terrain, remote location and weather conditions (including high winds and low humidity) continue to provide challenges to fire personnel working to gain containment. Air resources are being utilized as weather conditions allow.

For wildfire updates, follow the National Forests in North Carolina on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nfsnc or visit www.fs.usda

Wildfire Prompts Closure in Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness Area

 

This just in from the National Forest Service/North Carolina..... ROBBINSVILLE, N.C., April 15, 2025 – The USDA Forest Service issued a closure order for portions of the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness in the Cheoah Ranger District of the Nantahala National Forest to entry to mitigate the risks to public safety in response to the ongoing Haoe Fire. As a result of this order the following trails are Closed: Stratton Bald- TR 54 Haoe Lead- TR 53 Wolf Laurel- TR 57 Strawberry Knob- TR 217 H Naked Ground- TR 55 Hangover Lead- TR 56 Jenkins Meadow- TR 56 Slickrock Creek- TR 42 Visitor and employee safety are the highest priorities for the Forest Service, so the public should stay out of this area while fire crews work to contain the blaze. Currently reaching approximately 120 acres, the Haoe fire started on April 12 by a lightning strike. The fire is located 2 miles from the Joyce-Kilmer Memorial Loop Trail and separated by several natural features, including the Little Santeetlah Creek drainage. Forest Service crews continue to monitor the situation and will work to mitigate impacts on the area's natural resources. For wildfire updates, follow the National Forests in North Carolina on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nfsnc or visit www.fs.usda.gov/nfsnc.