The current weather forecast shows rain is on the way for the Party Rock Fire area and much of the region.
Crews on the fire have been busy preparing for upcoming rain by continued work to extinguish the remaining hot spots and removing excess firefighting equipment from the fire lines.
Firefighters came from all over North Carolina and 24 other states to help fight the blaze. Many of the crews are starting to be released to go back home as the fire situation has improved. The forecasted rain is welcomed by firefighters from across the country who have been scraping fire trails since early November.
“It is great feeling to be out here lending a hand on the fire; I do miss my family, but I am glad to be here helping make a difference,” said Jake Gosschalk with the Texas A&M Forest Service.
Party Rock Fire information can be found on INCIWEB or on the Town of Lake Lure website. A public information center phone line is open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. at 828-513-2500.