ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — This story will be updated throughout the day as new information about Western North Carolina wildfires becomes available.
1:24 p.m. | Shining Rock Wilderness closed
The USDA Forest Service has closed the Shining Rock Designated Wilderness Area within the Pisgah National Forest due to the ongoing Rattlesnake Branch Fire. According to a release, this closure follows the evacuation of all visitors in the area on the evening of March 26. The closure includes all National Forest land situated between US-276 and NC-215, north of the Blue Ridge Parkway, specifically from mile markers 405 to 420.
1 p.m. | Piney Gate evacuation order lifted
An evacuation order for the Piney Gate area has been lifted according to Polk County Local Government. All residents residing on the following streets are allowed to return home:
- Charity Branch Dr
- Deep Woods Ln
- Gamelands Trl
- Moonshine Trace
- Next to Last Road Ln
- The Last Road Ln
- Oakview Ln
- Piney Gate Rd
- Piney Overlook Ln
- Piney Ridge Ln
- Rising Fawn Ln
- Volley Ln
- Wesley Ln
- Windsong Ln
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Noon | Evacuation order declared in part of Saluda; Volunteer evacuation order sent out for part of Leicester
Saluda residents who live at 3509 – 4523 Green River Cove Road and all of Wilderness Cove Trail should evacuate now…