Rattlesnake Branch
ACRES BURNED
1858
STATE
North Carolina
ORIGIN COUNTY
Haywoodcontainment
26%
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35.4138957466985, -82.8144482363766
{CA8A032D-AF59-4CD0-A9F6-58CC72BAAF2C}
2025-03-27
TIMELINE
13 days
March 27
Detected
April 10
LAST UPDATED
Incident Data
CAUSE
Undetermined
BEHAVIOR
MinimalNearest CITY
CrusoPRIMARY FUEL TYPE?
Hardwood LitterDescription
Cruso community approx 11 miles SE of Waynesville
Response
Lead Protecting AGENCY
DFR
TOTAL PERSONNEL
31
PROPERTY OWNERSHIP
Private
(Private)
WEATHER
Nearby Air Quality
AQI
*
35.4138957466985, -82.8144482363766
* mph • *
forecast
From the Web
External data is not official
This information is compiled automatically, and is not confirmed by a human reviewer.
2025-04-17 20:02:44.1124932025-04-17 20:02:44.112493
**Start Date/Time/Location** The Rattlesnake Branch Fire started on March 26, 2025, near the Cruso community in Haywood County, North Carolina, approximately 11 miles southeast of Waynesville[1][3][4]. **Size and Containment** As of April 1, 2025, the fire has burned approximately 1,865 acres and is 24% contained. The initial reports indicated a larger area, but better mapping has refined the acreage[1][3][4]. **Growth and Rate of Spread** The fire quickly spread due to dry conditions of the hardwood leaves and branches on the ground. However, fire activity and spread have subsided following rainfall on March 30 and 31[1][3]. **Containment Efforts** Firefighters from the USDA Forest Service, the North Carolina Forest Service, and nearby counties are working to contain the fire. Efforts include constructing dozer lines and handlines, conducting burnout operations, and mopping up along containment lines. Crews are focusing on structure protection, especially in the Cruso area and along US-276, Crawford Creek, and Rattlesnake Branch Road[1][2][4].
Citations
['http://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/ncncf-rattlesnake-branch', 'https://inciweb.fs2c.usda.gov/incident-publication/ncncf-rattlesnake-branch/rattlesnake-branch-daily-update-04-01-2025', 'https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/nfsnc/news-events/', 'https://wlos.com/news/local/rattlesnake-branch-fire-1865-acres-24-percent-containment-shining-rock-wilderness-area-cruso-haywood-county', 'https://www.battstaging.com/fire/rattlesnake-branch/']
