HAOE LEAD 2025

The lightning-caused HAOE LEAD Fire was first reported on April 12, 2025. The Haoe Lead Fire is burning within the Joyce Kilmer Slickrock Wilderness of the Cheoah Ranger District of the Nantahala National Forest, approximately 7 miles west of Robbinsville, North Carolina, and 2 miles west of Lake Santeetlah. The fire is being managed under a full suppression strategy and is burning predominantly in hardwood leaf litter in steep and rugged terrain.. The rugged terrain, remote location and weather conditions (including high winds and low humidity) continue to provide challenges to fire personnel working. Air resources are being utilized as weather conditions allow. Public and firefighter safety is the highest priority in managing this fire.