Crews Contain Lytle Cove Wildfire; Shumont Fire Remains Active
Firefighters are mopping up two wildfires near Asheville and Rutherford County after containment efforts prevented injuries and structural loss. Residents should expect smoke for several days, exercise caution with outdoor burning, and note that the Shumont fire's cause remains under investigation.
Fire crews continued containment and mop-up operations Saturday after two separate wildfires burned in and around the Asheville area, officials said, with no reported injuries or structural damage.
A wildfire in the Lytle Cove area of Swannanoa was contained at about 7 acres. Swannanoa Fire & Rescue reported that crews protected one home where flames came within feet of the residence, and no structures were damaged. Multiple agencies assisted in the Lytle Cove response, including Riceville Volunteer Fire Department, Fairview Volunteer Fire Department, Reynolds Volunteer Fire Department, Asheville Fire Department and the N.C. Forest Service.
Farther south, crews are maintaining operations on the Shumont fire in Rutherford County, which began on New Year’s Eve. Broad River Fire & Rescue and Lake Lure volunteer fire departments pulled their last trucks from the scene earlier Saturday, while the N.C. Forest Service assumed command and remains on site. Forest Service personnel are expected to continue suppression and monitoring work for another day or two, and no homes are currently threatened by the incident.
Officials warned residents they may see or smell smoke for several days as crews secure affected areas and extinguish remaining hotspots. Broad River Fire & Rescue addressed rumors circulating about the Shumont fire’s origin, saying there was no evidence that fireworks were involved. The cause of the Shumont fire remains unknown and is under investigation.
The two incidents illustrate how quickly fires can threaten homes even in winter months when conditions are dry. Local officials urged caution with any outdoor burning as the region is experiencing a dry period that increases wildfire risk. Continued multi-agency coordination between volunteer departments and state forest service resources helped prevent structural losses and limited injuries during both incidents.
For Buncombe County residents, the immediate impacts are localized smoke and ongoing presence of fire personnel and equipment in the affected areas. Homeowners near Lytle Cove and residents downwind of the Rutherford County incident should be prepared for lingering smoke, monitor local advisories, and avoid outdoor burning until authorities declare conditions safe. Emergency response capacity in the region remains engaged as agencies work to fully secure both scenes.
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