U.S. Forest Service: Grandfather Mountain fire containment at 20 percent, no homes at risk

The U.S. Forest Service gave an update on Tuesday morning regarding the wildfire near Grandfather Mountain. Officials say the blaze has grown to an estimated 700 acres. The fire, which began in a remote area 10 miles Southeast of the Town of Linville, North Carolina, was reported on Christmas Eve.

Officials say containment remains at 20 percent, and firefighting efforts currently focus on securing the fireline on the Northwest side in order to protect private property in a neighboring community. They go on to say the fire is primarily burning through leaf litter at low to moderate intensities. The fire is expected to grow in the area until significant rain is received, however, officials say no homes or structures are threatened at this time.

(Image: U.S. Forest Service)