Wildfire near Old Fort prompts evacuations; two other fires reported in McDowell County
OLD FORT, N.C. (WLOS) — An "out of control" wildfire near Old Fort has prompted evacuation orders for nearby residents as a second fire is reported north of Marion.
The Crooked Creek Fire, which authorities say started after a tree fell on a power line, began at the 3500 block of Bat Cave Road. As of 6 p.m. Wednesday, the fire has burned about 250 acres and is 15% contained, according to McDowell County Emergency Management.
Officials said the fire crossed over the roadway due to high winds, creating worsening conditions. McDowell County authorities warn that this fire is "extremely dangerous."
Peggy Farmer lives in the Crooked Creek community. From her front patio, she can see the fire line after sunset across a small mountain and burning along a ridge.
“The wind was blowing really hard and from what I understand a tree fell on a powerline and caused the fire,” said Farmer. “Obviously we’re on notice from the hurricane we thought we were in a safe climate zone. I’m shocked I’m in this position. I have a great deal more empathy for people who got through this here I am running around trying [to] gather, what I’d take with me if I had to evacuate. Yes, I’m a bit anxious.”
Her sister and brother-in-law came Wednesday evening to her property and heavily hosed her front yard down. Farmer said for now she plans to stay in her home. But her sister and brother-in-law plan to spend the night, united and aware of the fire burning several miles away on a mountain ridge.
Evacuations
Residents living in the following areas, as well as all private drives off these roads, are advised to evacuate immediately:
- 3000-4500 block of Bat Cave Road
- Cozy Cove Drive
- Julia Drive
- 1000 block of Lavender Road
- Roy Moore Road
- Cherry Springs Road
- Pine Cove Road
An emergency shelter is in place at First Baptist Church in Old Fort, located at 203 East Main Street, according to McDowell County Emergency Management.
Emergency personnel from across McDowell County, as well as some agencies from outside the county, are working to protect structures in the area.
Emergency crews are on the scene working to contain the blaze. This fire is occurring while Western North Carolina is under an increased fire danger warning due to gusty winds, making it more difficult to contain.
WNC FACES HIGH FIRE RISK TODAY WITH DRY CONDITIONS AND GUSTY WINDS
Officials have closed Bat Cave Road to through traffic and vehicles are being detoured onto Pine Cove Road. Drivers are advised to use caution and seek alternate routes.
Second wildfire starts in McDowell County
McDowell County EMS crews are also responding to a wildfire along Watson Place on US 221 North in Marion. Currently, there are no evacuation orders for the Watson Place Fire. The public is urged to avoid the area to allow emergency crews to operate safely.
According to the North Carolina Forest Service's wildfire map, the fire is about 4 acres in size and 100% contained.
Officials advise that all outdoor burning be halted on Wednesday due to high winds and dry conditions.
Third wildfire starts in McDowell County
McDowell County Emergency Management informed News 13 of a third wildfire in McDowell County, the North Fork Fire.
The county's emergency management team said around 4 p.m. an outside fire was reported in the Woodlawn Community in Marion.
There are no orders to evacuate the area for the North Fork Fire at this time, the county's emergency management team said in a press release.
The county's fire personnel are staged along Good Road and American Thread Road to monitor nearby homes and structure protection when needed, according to the release.
According to the North Carolina Forest Service's wildfire map, the fire is about 40 acres and 0% contained.
To receive McDowell County emergency alerts text 28752 to 888777.
This story will be updated.
