Wildfires Spread In Western North Carolina As Emergency Crews Struggle To Contain Flames

Firefighters in McDowell County, North Carolina, are racing to control multiple wildfires that have erupted in areas still reeling from Hurricane Helene’s destruction. The largest blaze, known as the Crooked Creek Fire, has already consumed at least 250 acres near Old Fort and remains only 15% contained, according to emergency officials.

Authorities report that the fire started when a tree fell onto a power line, igniting the dry brush left behind by the hurricane. Strong winds, with gusts reaching up to 50 mph, spread the flames rapidly, forcing officials to issue evacuation orders for nearby residents. A shelter has been opened at a local Baptist church to assist those displaced by the fire.

The North Carolina Forest Service had warned earlier in the day that weather conditions—low humidity, high winds, and persistent drought—created a heightened wildfire risk. The dry landscape provided ample fuel for the flames, making firefighting efforts more difficult.

Emergency personnel have been working to prevent further destruction, focusing on containing the fire and protecting nearby homes. While several outbuildings have been lost, there have been no reports of injuries. Residents are urged to leave evacuation zones for their safety.

Two additional fires have been reported in McDowell County, with the North Fork Fire and Watson Place Fire both burning in the Marion area. Officials have yet to confirm the cause or containment levels of these blazes, but fire crews are monitoring their spread.

The wildfires come at a difficult time for the region, which is still recovering from the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Helene in late September. Many residents remain displaced, and now those who have returned are once again forced to flee.