Snowbird – A U.S. Forest Service crew discovered a brush fire burning shortly before 4:30 p.m. Saturday.
Local firefighters from both the U.S. and N.C. forest services responded to the fire burning on Old Santeetlah Road. High winds in the area had brought down a power line, which was still live and ignited leaves and brush.
The fire burned around two acres, with part of the fire being on private land and part on Bureau of Indian Affairs land. The fire was soon controlled, but crews continued to keep watch on the fire a while longer due to the windy conditions.
Another brush fire caused by a downed power line was reported at 6:45 p.m. Monday. The fire was located in the wooded area above the U.S. Forest Service work center on Massey Branch Road.
Firefighters with both the U.S. Forest Service and N.C. Forest Service contained the fire at less than an acre.