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McDowell County wildfire spreads to 500 acres, evacuation orders in place
The Bee Rock Creek Fire in McDowell County has grown to over 500 acres and is 10% contained, state officials said.
MCDOWELL COUNTY, N.C. — Multiple crews are working to contain a wildfire in McDowell County, officials said.
McDowell County Emergency Management said the fire started along Armstrong Creek Road, just off North Carolina Highway 226 in Turkey Cove. As of 4:45 p.m. Thursday, the fire had grown to over 500 acres and was 10% contained, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
Multiple helicopters are working to control the flames. Officials said the fire is burning through heavy storm debris from Hurricane Helene near the Armstrong Fish Hatchery. Nearly 200 personnel are assigned to the fire. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Evacuation orders were issued on Tuesday for residents on Wild Acres Road near NC 226 around Little Switzerland, N.C., according to McDowell County Emergency Management. No additional orders were made on Wednesday.
County officials have created an interactive map to display where the evacuation orders are active.
This is the second wildfire to start in the area near Armstrong Creek Road. In February, a fire burned around 50 acres before it was contained. Forecaster Dan Crawley took a photo of the smoke from McDowell High School on Tuesday afternoon. A large cloud of white smoke was visible in the distance.
The cause of the fire hasn’t been determined, but previous wildfires have been sparked by downed power lines during gusty conditions, which were present across the Carolinas on Tuesday. This story will be updated once we learn more information.