Firefighters in Watauga County are hoping rainfall over the next few days will put an end to the Horton wildfire near Blowing Rock that has scorched over 1,400 acres in the past week.
Despite forecasts of relief on the way, crews were still digging to put out hot spots on the fire line Monday. In some areas, the fire was still burning two feet under the surface, said firefighter John Jameson who was directing crews.
"And it can be cooking under there for a long time," he said.
Even with rain, those hot embers can stay hot, experts say. That's why crews were climbing the hills and digging deep, feeling the soil with their hands to locate where it was warm. They are hoping that come the end of the week, the fire will be extinguished for good.