Tuesday was predicted to be a high fire-danger day – and it was, as firefighters were kept busy most of the afternoon and evening.
Graham County Fire and Rescue, N.C. Forest Service and U.S. Forest Service responded to a brush fire around noon in the Sweeten Creek development, which is located off Sweetwater Road (N.C. 143).
A landowner was burning debris when the wind spread the blaze to a nearby wooded area, threatening two structures.
The fire was contained after burning close to an acre of private land.
Firefighters were called out again around 6:30 p.m., to assist Swain County with a brush fire on Andrews Drive in the Watia community. The fire – which started from more burning debris – threatened three nearby homes and was brought under control after burning an acre of private land.
Both N.C. and U.S. Forest services assisted Swain County Fire and Rescue. The combined efforts brought the fire under control just before 8 p.m.