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Two large wildfires in Western North Carolina have continued to grow over the past several days, with both now exceeding 800 acres and at containment levels of 10% or less.

April 18 news releases from the U.S. Forest Service provided updates on the wildfires, which are burning in Pisgah National Forest land in McDowell County and Nantahala National Forest land near Robbinsville. The news releases noted that both wildfires have grown since last reports, with firefighters and rangers working daily to contain and control the blazes.

Here's what we know on the Bee Rock Creek and Haoe Lead fires in Pisgah and Nantahala national forests as of Friday, April 18.

Western North Carolina wildfires

Two large wildfires are currently burning in WNC:

North Carolina wildfire map

See our interactive wildfire map for WNC and the region. It is updated hourly and provides information on the fires.

Bee Rock Creek Fire update; McDowell County, NC wildfires

The April 18 news release from the Forest Service warned that the Bee Rock Creek Fire, which is burning in steep terrain and storm debris in McDowell County, has grown to 856 acres with 10% containment. This marks significant growth since April 17, when reports showed the fire at 504 acres with 10% containment.

On April 17, helicopters dropped water to slow fire growth in support of firefighters working on the ground. There are currently 180 personnel working to suppress the fire and stop the spread, including the U.S. and N.C. forest services, McDowell County and Woodlawn Fire Department.

Firefighters on April 18 were focused on preparing and protecting homes in Wild Acres and Roses Road as well as the Armstrong State Fish Hatchery, near where the fire is burning. Crews have cut brush and blown leaves away from structures, and will be mopping up along Armstrong Creek Road, extinguishing hotspots to secure containment lines.

Crews are also prepping the Blue Ridge Parkway as a potential containment line by removing debris left behind by Tropical Storm Helene.

McDowell County wildfire evacuations

McDowell County Emergency Management has issued an evacuation order for residences on Wild Acres Road off of N.C. 226 A. A live evacuation map is available.

Haoe Lead Fire update; Robbinsville, NC wildfires

The Haoe Lead Fire, burning within the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness on the Cheoah Ranger District of the Nantahala National Forest, was measured at 1,010 acres with 0% containment according to an April 18 news release from the U.S. Forest Service. This marks growth from an April 16 update from the Citizen Times that reported the fire was at around 800 acres with 0% containment.

On April 17, fire personnel strengthened containment lines further on the southern portion of the fire near the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Loop. Opportunities were explored to engage the fire near State Road 1127. Firefighters on April 18 continued to focus efforts on southern and eastern portions of the fire, with potential strategic firing operations occurring along a portion of Maple Springs Overlook Road to reduce unburned fuel near the road.

There are no evacuation orders in place at this time.

Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at [email protected].

(WLOS) — Communities across Western North Carolina are preparing for a weekend of festivities in celebration of Easter Sunday on April 20.

Here are some Easter events and fun spring-themed activities happening this weekend:

Asheville Spring Eggstravaganza

This free event will feature an outdoor egg hunt, entertainment, crafts and more.

Click here for more information.

Biltmore Easter Scavenger Hunt

Attendees can discover 25 large, decorated Easter eggs hidden within the Biltmore House and gardens and Antler Hill Village. This event is included with admission to the Biltmore Estate.

Children ages nine and younger will be given a treat bag. Click here for more information.

Chimney Rock's Easter Sunrise Service

This service traditionally takes place at Chimney Rock State Park, but due to residual damages left by Hurricane Helene, the location has been changed for 2025.

The sunrise service will be led by Foothills Village Chapel and feature live music by the Chimney Rock Bagpipe Band. After the service, attendees can participate in an Easter egg hunt, breakfast buffet and more.

Click here for more information.

Dillsboro Easter Hat Parade

Attendees can participate in an egg hunt at Monteith Park at 11 a.m. to search for more than 4,000 eggs. Registration for the hat parade begins at noon, and the parade begins at 2 p.m. There will also be an array of prizes.

Click here for more information.

Easter In The Mountains at Omni Grove Park Inn

The Omni Grove Park Inn is inviting families to celebrate Easter with a variety of activities and culinary experiences. The celebration features an Easter brunch, craft and cookie decorating parties and more.

Click here for more information.

Easter Sunrise Service at Lake Junaluska

Celebrate Easter Sunday at the amphitheater below the Lake Junaluska Cross. Rev. Amy Coles will be the guest speaker, with music by the Biltmore Brass.

Click here for more information.

Easter Egg Hunt for Autistic Children

First Christian Church of Asheville is hosting Easter egg hunts for children with autism on the church lawn. There will be multiple sessions for different age groups. After the Easter egg hunt, children can play in the church's Sensory Room and decorate an Easter cookie.

Click here for more information.

Hopping for Hope in Black Mountain

A helicopter will drop thousands of Easter eggs filled with different treats and surprises for children. The event is free and will also feature music, entertainment, games and a meet and greet with the Easter Bunny.

Click here for more information.

SKYLARANNA Easter Brunch

SKYLARANNA is hosting a free easter egg hunt on its resort grounds for Easter Sunday. The event is open to all kids for a chance to win treats and other prizes. The Easter Bunny will also make a surprise appearance.

Click here for more information.

Closing dates are approaching for seven JCPenney stores that were put on the chopping block earlier this year, while an eighth location that was set to close will now stay open through at least August. Asheville's only JCPenney location at the Asheville Mall is set to close this spring.

The latest JCPenney closures, which were initially announced in February, come after more than 200 U.S. locations shuttered when the retailer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in May 2020. The chain was later acquired by Simon Property Group and Brookfield Asset Management Inc. in December 2020.

In January, JCPenney announced it had partnered with Forever 21 to create a new company called Catalyst Brands. The merger also includes Brooks Brothers, Aéropostale, Lucky Brand, Nautica and Eddie Bauer. Catalyst Brands was expected to open 1,800 store locations and hire 60,000 employees. A JCPenney spokesperson previously told USA TODAY that the store closures are not related to the Catalyst Brand merger.

A Catalyst Brands spokesperson told USA TODAY on Wednesday that the umbrella company is "optimizing" its structure, resulting in the cut of about 9% of its corporate roles.

When is JCPenney in Asheville closing?

A JCPenney representative told the Citizen Times via email that the Asheville location at 3 S. Tunnel Road plans to close its doors by May 25 of this year.

"The decision to close a store is never an easy one," the representative wrote. "We are grateful to our dedicated associates and the loyal customers who have shopped at our Asheville location."

Which JCPenney locations are closing in NC?

Locations at 1105 Walnut St., Cary, and 380 N Cooper Drive, Henderson, were recently closed. Also set to close in 2025 are the following JCPenney locations:

Why are the JCPenney stores closing?

While specifics were not provided, a JCPenney spokesperson previously told USA TODAY that individual store closures may occur due to "expiring lease agreements, market changes or other factors."

Last year, Western North Carolina didn't see much of the infamous double emergence of periodical cicada Broods XIX and XIII. While there is no periodical double emergence this year, the region can still expect to see more cicada visitors than usual.

In 2024, 13-year Brood XIX emerged in 14 states across the Southeast and Midwest, and 17-year Brood XIII emerged in five Midwestern states around the same time, the first co-emergence of the broods in 221 years.

Only Brood XIX emerged in NC, however, and while Buncombe County was technically home to some of the cicadas, they were uncommon overall in WNC. This year, however, the region can expect to see an emergence of Magicicada Brood XIV, which last emerged 17 years ago.

N.C. State entomologist Matt Bertone told the Citizen Times that, while last year's periodical brood XIX was not expected to be commonly seen in the area, and Brood XIII was not found in N.C. at all, this year's Brood XIV will be much more present in the region.

Here's what to know about what WNC residents can expect this year, when the emergence is coming and more.

Will there be a double cicada emergence in 2025?

Only one brood of periodical cicadas, Brood XIV, will emerge in 2025.

Periodical vs. annual cicadas

Cicadas have three types of life cycles according to Cicada Mania, an informational website:

Periodical cicadas are a bit different from N.C.'s annual "dog-day" cicada visitors. Most noticeably, unlike our black and green annual cicadas, periodical cicadas are mostly black in color, with amber wings and striking red eyes. While they share this appearance, not all species in any given brood are the same.

When will the cicadas emerge?

Brood XIV is estimated to emerge beginning in May and ending in late June. The emergence will begin when the soil 8 inches underground reaches 64 degrees. Emergences are often triggered by a warm summer rain.

Annual "dog-day" cicadas emerge during the "dog days of summer" between late July and early September.

Where do cicadas live?

While different broods of periodical cicadas have different territories, they are all found in eastern and midwestern states. After hatching, cicada larvae bury into the soil, where they live until it's time to emerge. Then, the cicadas migrate to trees and shrubs to spend the remainder of their lives reproducing.

What are Brood XIV cicadas?

Brood XIV is the second largest brood after XIX, according to the University of Connecticut. They have a 17-year life cycle, and last emerged in 2008. In 2025, they are expected to emerge in the following states:

Iris Seaton is the trending reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at [email protected].