The U.S. Forest Service has reopened several trails and roads in the Appalachian Ranger District. The U.S. Forest Service has cleared 137 miles of trails, including over 114 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Crews have also surveyed and reopened about 240 miles of roads across the district.

The fire is happening while Western North Carolina is under an increased fire danger warning due to gusty winds, making it more difficult to contain.

Some recovery work in the North Carolina mountains since Hurricane Helene has happened off the beaten path as volunteers and government crews repair damage on the Appalachian Trail and Mountains-to-Sea Trail.