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- Crews continue to make progress on wildfires in McDowell County
Firefighters make significant progress on western NC wildfires overnight
As of about 7 a.m. Thursday, there were no reported injuries or fatalities.
OLD FORT, N.C. — A 250-acre wildfire in McDowell County is now 55% contained and evacuation orders have been lifted, officials confirmed on Thursday morning.
As of 7 a.m., the Crooked Creek Fire in the Old Fort area is 55% contained after dozens of firefighters made significant progress overnight. Officials said calming winds and higher humidity reduced fire activity as firefighters worked to slow the fire from spreading.
McDowell County Emergency Management reported that one home was damaged and multiple outbuildings were destroyed. No injuries or deaths have been reported during the fire.
An evacuation order for impacted areas on Bat Cave Road, Pine Cove Road, Julia Drive and Roy Moore Road was lifted at 8 a.m., as residents can safely return home. Emergency personnel will remain in the area throughout the day to monitor the situation.
At this time, officials said there aren’t any evacuation orders for the North Fork Fire, as much of the fire itself is on US Forest Service property. An emergency shelter opened at First Baptist Church on East Main Street in Old Fort.
Gusty winds helped spread the fire and made it difficult to control, according to emergency officials. Nearby weather observations showed winds gusty at least 30 mph throughout much of the day on Wednesday.
The WCNC Weather Impact Team has been warning about an increased fire danger this week. Weather conditions such as low humidity and gusty winds can promote the start and spread of fire.
RAISE YOUR WEATHER IQ: North Carolina wildfire season
WCNC Charlotte’s weather camera in northern Gaston County could see the smokey air quality toward western North Carolina on Wednesday. Across the Carolinas, there is an elevated risk of fire spread.
The McDowell County fire emergency was briefly mentioned by state lawmakers at the start of Wednesday’s House Select Committee on Helene Recovery. Co-Chair Rep. Dudley Greene made mention of the fire emergency impacting some lawmakers and residents.
McDowell County was one of the counties damaged by Helene. Downed trees and other storm debris has long been feared as a factor increasing fire danger in the months ahead.