Officials ordered evacuations as a major brush fire broke out on Wednesday in a rural area in McDowell County, N.C., that has now burned more than 150 acres.
The Crooked Creek fire is threatening the nearby town of Old Fort, N.C., a small Western North Carolina community about 25 miles from Asheville. High winds and dry conditions are pushing the fire farther. As of Wednesday afternoon, the fire is zero percent contained, according to McDowell County’s emergency services.
The wildfire strikes an inland region of North Carolina that is still recovering from the damage wrought by Hurricane Helene in September. Huge plumes of smoke are visible as they rise from Crooked Creek between the hills. WFMY News 2, a regional broadcaster, reported that the smoke had grown so large it was visible on radar.
“Firefighters continue to focus on structure protection for multiple homes in the area and continue work on establishing fire-containment lines,” the county said in an emergency alert. “Emergency services are urging residents in the affected areas to adhere to evacuation orders to ensure their safety.”
The county said that the fire was caused by a tree falling onto a power line. Several outbuildings have been destroyed by the flames, but no injuries have been reported. First Baptist Church in Old Fort is serving as a shelter for displaced residents.
Before the fire broke out, the North Carolina Forest Service said on social media that the risk of fire was high on Wednesday.
“With low relative humidity, wind gusts and dry fuels, fire danger is expected to be high across the Piedmont, Foothills and Mountains,” the agency said, adding that conditions are expected to improve in the evening.
High winds expanding the fire’s reach are expected to taper off tonight but there is potential for more gusts on Friday. The Forest Service recommended that residents refrain from outdoor burning, such as campfires and fires for cooking. The Appalachian area is host to several hiking trails.
A second wildfire broke out north of Marion, the county seat. There is no evacuation order for the city, but officials have instructed residents to stay away.
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