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Wildfire in McDowell County Fully Contained

Last Updated on December 20, 2017 12:22 pm

NEBO, NC, December 20, 2017- Rain overnight aided firefighters on the Coxes Creek no. 7 fire in McDowell County, which is now 100% contained. The fire increased to approximately 200 acres yesterday before the rain.

The Coxes Creek no. 7 Fire was reported Monday afternoon. The fire is burning on U.S. Forest Service land and private property in the Turkey Cove Community off 226A north of Marion, NC. Firefighters conducted burnout operations yesterday and provided structure protection on 6 homes. No homes were damaged or lost. The fire area received nearly ½ inch of rain overnight and this morning, extinguishing most of the flames.

Interior hot spots remain today, but should be fully extinguished with the additional predicted rainfall. Firefighters will continue to patrol and monitor the fire over the next several days. Smoke may remain in the area into Thursday.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. If you see suspicious activity in the area, please report it to the McDowell County Sheriff's Office detective line at 828-652-2237. Conviction for arson on national forests carries a mandatory penalty of five years and a maximum of 20 years in prison.

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