Arboretum collecting firefighting donations 

Due to heightened fire danger throughout the region, the N.C. Arboretum in Asheville will not have fire pits as part of its Winter Lights event — instead, the arboretum is asking ticketholders to swap out s’mores purchases for donations of supplies.

A collection bin to hold donations for firefighters and first responders battling North Carolina wildfires will be available inside the Baker Exhibit Center lobby. Requested items include bottled water, Gatorade, lip balm, saline eye drops, pre-packaged food and protein bars. 

Supplies can be dropped off during regular arboretum hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or during the Winter Lights event that is now held nightly 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. through Jan. 1. 

Purchase tickets at www.ncarboretum.org/exhibits-events/winter-lights. 

Game lands closed due to wildfires

Game lands managed by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission are facing temporary closure as a result of the wildfires spreading across Western North Carolina. 

The Toxaway Game Land and South Mountains Game Land have been closed, and portions of game lands in the Nantahala National Forest are closed as well. 

Depending on how quickly the fires spread and how long they last, officials may close additional roads or access to other game lands, if needed. Officials are keeping a close eye on the Chestnut Knob fire, which continues to spread, bringing it closer to South Mountains Game Land.

Updated closure information is available at www.ncwildlife.org/Hunting/Where-to-Hunt/Public-Places.

National Forest areas closed due to wildfire

Spreading wildfires have forced additional closures of trails, areas and roads in the Nantahala National Forest.

These newer closures cover the Chunky Gal area on the Tusquittee Ranger District, the Southern Nantahala Wilderness area on the Nantahala Ranger District and the Joyce Kilmer Slickrock Wilderness Area on the Cheoah Ranger District. 

Many other closures are also in effect, including the Appalachian Trail from the Georgia line to the Nantahala Outdoor Center near Bryson City. 

For a full list of closures, visit http://bit.ly/2g3nCAp.