Wildfires Tear Through North Carolina As Crews Race To Protect Homes

Fires continue to spread across McDowell County, North Carolina, as emergency teams scramble to contain the damage in a region still struggling to recover from Hurricane Helene. The most severe blaze, the Crooked Creek Fire, has already burned through 250 acres near Old Fort, and containment remains at just 15%, officials confirmed Wednesday night.

Authorities say the fire ignited when a tree fell onto a power line, sparking flames that quickly spread across dry vegetation. Strong winds reaching 50 mph accelerated its growth, forcing officials to issue evacuation orders for at-risk communities. A temporary shelter has been established at a local Baptist church to provide relief for displaced residents.

The North Carolina Forest Service had previously warned that the combination of high winds, low humidity, and ongoing drought conditions posed a severe fire risk. Those concerns were realized as firefighters struggled to establish containment lines while flames moved unpredictably.

Efforts have focused on protecting structures, though officials have reported the destruction of several outbuildings. No injuries have been confirmed, but officials have urged residents in evacuation zones to leave immediately for their safety.

Two smaller fires, the North Fork Fire and Watson Place Fire, were also reported in the Marion area, though their size and containment levels have not yet been released. Crews are closely monitoring the situation as they work to prevent further spread.

With many homes in Old Fort and surrounding communities still in ruins from the hurricane, these fires are yet another setback for residents trying to rebuild. Emergency responders continue to fight the flames while assessing the ongoing risk posed by the dry and windy conditions.