News

6,700-acre Party Rock fire 32% contained

By Lightning Reports, Published: November 18, 2016

More than 900 firefighters made progress against the 6,712-acre Party Rock Fire, reaching to 32 percent containment on Thursday.

There are 920 firefighters working to protect homes and to monitor completed containment lines, the Henderson County sheriff's office said. Several helicopters and a large air tanker supported firefighters as containment was completed overnight down to Rumbling Bald Resort communities.

A significant wind event is forecast for this weekend. Conditions on the ground remain dry – there has been no rain in the area for 46 days. Fire managers will have a large contingency of firefighting equipment including structure protection to patrol containment lines and the communities.

Residents and business owners will be allowed back into Chimney Rock Village beginning at noon on Saturday. Permits are required to re-enter Chimney Rock Village and are being issued only to residents and business owners. Contact the Party Rock Fire Information Office for details.

A stretch of Highway 74-A leading into Chimney Rock Village from the north and south remains closed. Highway 9 remains closed from the intersection at Highway 74-A in Bat Cave north to Shumont Road.