Last Updated on April 18, 2025 1:17 pm
MARION, N.C., April 18, 2025 – Bee Rock Creek Fire Update – Grandfather Ranger District – McDowell County
The Bee Rock Creek Fire, burning in steep terrain and storm debris in McDowell County near the Armstrong State Fish Hatchery, grew to 856 acres with 10% containment. Yesterday, firefighters saw moderate fire activity with isolated wind and topographic driven runs. Helicopters dropped water to slow fire growth in support of the firefighters working on the ground.
The USDA Forest Service, North Carolina Forest Service, McDowell County and Woodlawn Fire Department have 180 personnel working to suppress the fire and create containment lines to stop the spread of the fire.
With gusty winds expected today, firefighters are focused on preparing and protecting homes in Wild Acres and Roses Road and the hatchery. Crews have cut brush and blown leaves away from structures to create defensible space around homes. Firefighters will also be mopping up along Armstrong Creek Road, extinguishing hotspots to secure containment lines. Crews are prepping the Blue Ridge Parkway as a potential containment line by removing downed vegetation from Hurricane Helene.
McDowell County Emergency Management has issued an evacuation order for all residences on Wild Acres Road off of NC 226 A. Click to view McDowell County’s live evacuation map.
A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the fire area each day from 10 a.m. to midnight. See the map at https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr3/?page=detail_5_7644. Aircraft, including drones, are prohibited from flying to provide a safe environment for firefighting. If you fly, we can’t. If a drone is spotted near the fire, all aircraft are grounded until the drone is clear of the area.
Please be aware of smoke and crews in the area. Drive slowly and use caution on roads where smoke may be settling. Check air quality at https://airquality.climate.ncsu.edu/ or https://fire.airnow.gov.
