A massive wildfire in the mountains of North Carolina has rapidly spread to nearly 1,200 acres within just two days. The fire was sparked by a tractor-trailer crash on Interstate 40 near Waynesville, close to the Tennessee border.

The incident occurred at approximately 9 a.m. on Thursday when a tractor-trailer overturned in the westbound lanes of I-40 at mile marker 3. The U.S. Forest Service and the North Carolina Department of Transportation reported that the crash led to the ignition of the fire in Haywood County.

Dubbed the Black Bear Fire, the blaze continues to burn in rugged terrain at mile marker 3, within the Appalachian Ranger District of the Pisgah National Forest. As of Saturday afternoon, the fire has devoured a staggering 1,193 acres of land.

Despite the efforts of emergency responders and firefighting crews, the Black Bear Fire remains uncontained, posing a significant challenge to containment efforts. The U.S. Forest Service stated that the fire has not yet been brought under control.

The wildfire has created a pressing concern for local residents and authorities alike. The North Carolina Forest Service is closely monitoring the situation and working diligently to mitigate the spread of the fire. Their priority is to protect both human life and the surrounding wilderness.

The fire has resulted in the closure of a section of Interstate 40 near the crash site, causing disruptions to traffic in the area. Motorists are urged to seek alternative routes and exercise caution around the affected stretch of the highway.

Given the rapidly changing nature of wildfires, weather conditions and terrain play a critical role in containment efforts. It is anticipated that firefighting efforts will intensify as more resources become available.

The cause of the tractor-trailer crash that triggered the wildfire is currently under investigation. Authorities are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident to help prevent similar incidents in the future.

As the Black Bear Fire continues to burn and efforts to contain it persist, local residents and communities remain vigilant and prepared for any potential evacuation orders or safety measures. The collaboration among firefighting agencies and first responders is crucial in effectively combating this mountain wildfire.

This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing risks associated with wildfires in heavily forested areas and the need for proactive measures to prevent accidents that can trigger such destructive events.