After the wildfire south of Blowing Rock jumped fire lines Tuesday night, Forestry officials conducted a burnout operation to fight the fire yesterday. Firefighters built containment lines around the High Eagle fire on Tuesday, helped out by the light rain, the higher humidity slowing the spread, but not nearly enough rain fell to put the fire out. Tuesday, fire officials said the blaze had grown in size to more than 60 acres, then doubled as it hit more dry, rugged areas Wednesday.  Hopes are that the backfire yesterday will help to stop the advance, as the rugged area is thwarting efforts to cut fire lines. Caldwell and state firefighters said they still don't know what started the fire.
(Photo: WSOC-TV)