AVERY COUNTY, N.C. — Multiple emergency crews are working to contain a wildfire that sparked in Avery County on Monday.

Avery County officials said the fire started in the Elk Valley community, not far from Banner Elk and Beech Mountain, along Highway 194. Multiple fire departments, as well as Avery County Emergency Management and the NC Forest Service are on the scene working to contain the flames.

According to the North Carolina Forest Service's wildfire map , the fire has grown to 120 acres and is 50% contained as of 9 a.m. Tuesday.

A video shared with WCNC Charlotte showed crews dumping water from a helicopter to keep the flames from spreading further.

Drivers are urged to avoid the area and yield to any emergency vehicles responding to the fire.

Residents and drivers should expec

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