MACON COUNTY, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Firefighters were working Monday to contain a wildfire burning in the Nantahala National Forest in Macon County, federal officials said.

The U.S. Forest Service said crews are responding to the Winding Stairs Alpha Fire in the Nantahala Ranger District, south of the Winding Stairs Gap area off U.S. Highway 64. Officials urged the public to avoid the area while firefighters work on containment.

The fire is burning upslope through hardwood leaf litter on steep, rocky terrain, the Forest Service said. Crews are constructing handlines to establish containment and allow heavy equipment, including a bulldozer, to strengthen fire lines.

Smoke from the fire is visible from the city of Franklin and surrounding areas and may affect air quality. Officials advised residents to use caution.