Current Situation: Yesterday firefighters completed firing operations along Collett Creek and Bolden Creek reducing the amount of unburned vegetation between the fire and the communities to the north. Crews are now staffing the fire 24-hours a day with firefighters and engines staying on the fire through the night to monitor fire activity and provide structure protection as needed. Drought conditions continued and fire activity increased throughout the fire area resulting in additional growth on all sides of the fire. The fire is mainly burning in remote, backcountry areas.Today firefighters will finish structure prep around three homes that were previously inaccessible. Firing operations will continue on Rattlesnake Knob, south of Lord’s Way. A dozer will be utilized to establish a containment line to the south and southeast of the fire from Shinbone Road up to Long Branch and will tie into the Rim Trail near Round Bald.Weather and Fire Behavior: Drought conditions continue, mostly sunny, temperatures in the high 60’s, low humidity, and low winds. Winds are expected out of the north moving south. These dry conditions are expected to increase fire activity across the fire area.Smoke and Air Quality: The inversion layer, which causes the smoke to settle into the valley, is expected to lift by mid-day, improving visibility and air quality in the river valley. The North Carolina Division of Air Quality issued a code Red Air Quality Action Day, it is in effect through tomorrow at midnight for Cherokee and Henderson Counties, for fine particulates, due to smoke from ongoing wildfires. Additional surrounding counties are Code Orange. Air quality information available at fire.airnow.gov/Closures: The Rim Trail is temporarily closed for approximately 7 miles from Big Stump to Shinbone. There are no road or area closures at this time however, the public should avoid the area so fire crews and resources can work safely.Evacuations: No Evacuations at this time.  For updates about the Collett Ridge Fire, please follow the National Forests in North Carolina at U.S. Forest Service - National Forests in North Carolina for additional updates.

Hardwood litter and timber understory

Fall leaf-off just beginning with hardwood leaf litter fuel loading increasing daily, which will contribute to reburn potential as the fire progresses.

Moderate fire activity. Fire backing off ridge lines, influenced by diurnal winds.