As of 6:30 p.m. Jan. 30, firefighters were continuing burnout operations in McDowell County on the North Fork Fire, which has grown to 200 acres and is 20% contained.
McDowell County Emergency Services first reported the fire at about 4 p.m. Jan. 29 in the area of Good Road in the Woodlawn Community of Marion. Fire personnel immediately responded and are actively working to contain the fire.
According to a news release from the U.S. Forest Service, 80 firefighters are responding to the fire burning in areas of heavy damage from Tropical Storm Helene near the Woodlawn Community. The North Fork Fire is east of U.S. 221 and south of American Thread Road along the cliffs above the North Fork of the Catawba River, in the Grandfather Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest.
Smoke from the North Fork Fire is impacting communities in McDowell County. With hurricane damage, the amount of downed fuels in the forest that are burning are contributing to more smoke than past wildfires in the area. Before Helene, most fuels were small twigs and leaves. Now, some large fuels, such as big, downed trees, are burning for longer, meaning extended smoke impacts. Additional fires in the county are also contributing to regional smoke. Cloudy conditions are not allowing smoke to disperse, meaning higher levels are staying in our communities.
Forecasted Air Quality Indexes for the region are predicted to be moderate overnight into the morning of Jan. 31. However, localized impacts may be more hazardous especially in low lying areas near North Cove, Woodlawn, Marion and Lake James. Smoke sensitive populations including children, older adults and those with respiratory conditions, should limit time outdoors until conditions improve.
The Mountains-to-Sea Trail between U.S. 221 and FSR 106, Bald Mountain Road (FSR 150) and Graveyard Mountain Road (FSR 149) remain closed for the safety of the public and firefighters.
Recreationists are asked to avoid the area. No structures are threatened at this time, and no evacuations are in place. The North Carolina Forest Service, North Carolina Emergency Management, and local fire departments from Woodlawn and North Cove are assisting with structure protection. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Crooked Creek Fire
As of 4:30 p.m. Jan. 30, the North Carolina Forest Service confirmed that the Crooked Creek Fire, which burned 220 acres in McDowell County, is 100% contained. The fire was caused by a fallen powerline.
One home had damages from the fire, according to the county, but no injuries or fatalities were reported as a result of the blaze. The fire started quickly on Jan. 29, and McDowell County set evacuation orders for areas along Bat Cave Road. Emergency personnel will continue to remain on site to monitor the situation and ensure containment of the fire, the office said.
An evacuation order was issued Jan. 29 for residents along Bat Cave Road in Old Fort, but ended Jan. 30.
Residents are asked to avoid the areas to allow emergency crews to operate safely. Given the ongoing dry and windy conditions, the public is strongly advised to refrain from any outdoor burning.
To receive emergency alerts and updates, text 28752 to 888777 to subscribe to real-time notifications from McDowell County Emergency Services.