Fire officials say the fire started around 2:30 p.m. on Dunsmore Avenue in the Ridgecrest Area of Buncombe County. More than 500 acres had been burned as of 6 p.m., Black Mountain Fire Chief Steve Jones said. He also says the flames were 100-feet tall at one point.
At least 20 different agencies are on the scene to help contain the wildfire. Jones says right now, protecting houses is one of the biggest concerns.
"Right now we think we have everyone evacuated that needs to be," Jones said. "However, if you live in this area and you're close to the fire, we suggest you just leave."
Jones says there has been no containment of the fire, which is still moving and burning. One firefighter was injured while putting out a house fire.
Homes on Dunsmore Avenue have been evacuated.
"No time to stay here," resident Annell Farris said. "I've evacuated fires in California. I got the most important things: the dog, the jewelry, and the taxes."
Around 3:30 p.m., a helicopter dropped off North Carolina Forest Service crew to help drop buckets of water.
Heavy smoke is reported and emergency dispatchers are urging drivers to use caution when driving in this area of I-40, near Exit 66.
News 13 has crews on the scene and will update this story as more information becomes available.
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