Haircomb Gap Fire contained 75% in Chimney Rock

A fire that started on New Year's Eve, now called the Haircomb Gap Fire, remains 75% contained at 20.4 acres, according to state fire maps. There have been no evacuations ordered, and no structures are currently threatened, officials said on Friday.

The wildfire is burning in Chimney Rock near Bald Mountain Road in Rutherford County, a location confirmed by fire perimeter data from the North Carolina Forest Service and satellite-based heat detection maintained by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Officials clarified the fire’s location after early public references identified it as the “Lake Lure” or “Shumont Mountain” fire. Rutherford County government also referred to it as the "Hickory Nut Gorge" fire, even after it was officially named Haircomb Gap on Friday. Wildfire names are unique for tracking purposes, federal officials said in an August social media post. 

Rutherford County Emergency Management said the North Carolina Forest Service has assumed operational control. No local fire departments were assigned to the scene as of Friday morning, the agency said.

Firefighters reported favorable conditions, and established containment lines have kept the fire within its perimeter. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, according to Broad River Fire & Rescue, which also addressed and dispelled online rumors linking the blaze to fireworks. Chimney Rock Volunteer Fire Chief Chris Melton was one of the first on the scene. Melton is also the assistant fire chief of the Lake Lure fire department, which provided mutual aid along with several area departments.

Haircomb Gap was previously burned less than a decade ago during the Party Rock Fire, according to a report from the National Interagency Fire Center.

Fire officials reminded residents that winter conditions can still present wildfire risks in western North Carolina and urged compliance with state burn regulations. Containment figures and acreage estimates are subject to change as assessments continue.