Crews battle 60-acre wildfire on Burkemont Mountain

The largest uncontained forest fire in North Carolina is raging on the South Mountains about 300 feet from the popular Hidden Hill Venue off of Burkemount Road.

The cause is unknown of the 60-acre fire is unknown, though several large fireworks displays over Burkemont Mountain could be seen for miles on Thursday night.

At last reports Friday morning the fire was 0% contained.

Multiple fire crews and Forest Service teams are engaged.  All efforts are being led by the North Carolina Forestry Service. The Forest Service intends to use aircraft to battle the blaze, according to reports.

Responding emergency teams include those from Salem Fire Rescue, and West End Fire Department..

Access to the area is limited to residents only. Emergency crews are using Burkemont Road and Jenkins Road for water shuttle services.

The fire began in the early morning hours of July 5 and was still an active fire around sunrise. Throughout the morning smoke was still visible billowing from the mountaintop. 

The N.C. Forest Service, Salem Fire Rescue, West End Fire Department, and other agencies responded to the fire.  No injuries or lost structures are known at this time.

This is the second fire in two days in the area. Crews fought a woods fire off Big Creek Road on High Peak Mountain on July 2. 

The U.S. Drought Monitor labels Burke County as abnormally dry, one designation before reaching drought. The N.C. Forest Service on June 26 cautioned against outdoor fires and fireworks. Burke County is not under an official burn ban. 

This is a developing story.

-- AKC