03/27/2025
Too close for comfort!
🔥 Alarka Fire Update – March 27, 2025
📍 Location: Alarka Community
🔥 Acres Burned: 911
🚒 Containment: 0%
📋 Current Situation: The Alarka Fire remains active and uncontained, having burned 911 acres as it advances toward Frye Mountain, Shephard’s Creek, and Conley’s Creek. Two structures have been damaged. Evacuations are currently in effect for Long Creek, Alarka Highlands, and Unahala Creek. Crews from multiple local, state, federal, and tribal agencies are working together around the clock to protect lives, property, and natural resources.
🚧 Closures / Evacuations / Safety Notices:
Evacuations are currently in effect ONLY for the following areas:
Long Creek
Alarka Highlands
Unahala Creek
These are the only areas under evacuation at this time. If you are not in one of these areas, please stay alert but do not evacuate unless instructed by officials.
🧯 Firefighting Resources Involved:
Crews and personnel from USFS, USFS/BIA, Cherokee Fire and Rescue, Swain County EM, Alarka Fire Department, West Swain Fire Department, Bryson City Fire Department, Qualla Fire Department, Jackson County EM and other local, state, and federal partners are actively responding to the Alarka Fire. We are grateful for the collaborative efforts of all agencies working together to protect our community.
Note: This is not a complete list, and we deeply appreciate all individuals and organizations contributing to the response.
Public reminders:
🚫 Please avoid Upper Alarka and nearby roads to keep access clear for emergency vehicles.
🚁 Do not fly drones in or near the fire area — unauthorized drone use grounds firefighting aircraft and puts crews at risk.
🌫️ Be prepared for smoky conditions in surrounding areas and drive with caution.
🙏 Thank you to our local responders and partner agencies working hard to protect our community.
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