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Crews control wildfire that burned 45-60 acres near Caldwell, Wilkes County line
Evacuations related to that fire have been lifted. Evacuation orders remain in place in some areas around the Carolinas as other fires continue to burn.
CALDWELL COUNTY, N.C. — A large wildfire burned between 45 and 60 acres of land near the Caldwell-Wilkes county line on Saturday, forcing temporary evacuations as flames threatened nearby homes.
Fire crews were called to the area around Caleb Lane on Highway 268 in Caldwell County at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. When firefighters arrived, they found heavy flames spreading quickly due to dry conditions and high winds.
The rapid movement of the fire led officials to order evacuations in the affected area, officials said. North Carolina Highway Patrol, Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office, and Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office handled the evacuation process.
Firefighters contained the blaze within about six hours. Crews then began the process of “overhaul” – putting out remaining hotspots – which continued throughout the night and into Sunday.
Chief Roger Whisnant of the Yadkin Valley Fire Department noted that the fire’s cause remains under investigation. He clarified that this incident was separate from another fire reported on Old Amhurst Road.
FIrefighters are still working to contain another wildfire in Wilkes County, near its border with Ashe County.