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- Firefighters report significant progress on McDowell County wildfires
Firefighters report significant progress on McDowell County wildfire
No injuries or deaths have been reported as hundreds of acres have burned in the Old Fort area.
OLD FORT, N.C. — A wildfire that burned an estimated 220 acres in McDowell County was likely sparked when high winds knocked down a power line near Old Fort, emergency officials said on Thursday.
McDowell County Emergency Management said the Crooked Creek Fire, which started around 2 p.m. on Wednesday, burned approximately 220 acres. The fire was 100% contained as of 5:27 p.m. Thursday. Officials said calming winds and higher humidity reduced fire activity as firefighters worked to slow the fire from spreading.
The agency 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 could safely return home. Emergency personnel will remain in the area throughout the day to monitor the situation. An emergency shelter opened at First Baptist Church on East Main Street in Old Fort.
In an update shortly before 12:30 p.m. on Friday, McDowell County Emergency Management said the North Fork Fire is 40% contained at 350 acres. There are no evacuation orders because much of the fire itself is on U.S. Forest Service property, in areas with existing damage from Hurricane Helene.
Officials said the risk to homes and structures in the area has lessened.
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. Thursday, firefighters were able to start on burn out operations, which led to increased fire containment. The cause of the North Fork Fire is still under investigation.
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.