Last Updated on December 8, 2024 12:41 pm
NEBO, N.C. (Dec. 8, 2024) – Firefighters made significant progress on containing the Buck Creek Fire in McDowell County, using burnout operations to secure firelines. The fire grew to 520 acres, with containment now at 50%. The Buck Creek Fire, which began from a downed powerline, is located east of Highway 80 in the Lake Tahoma area of Marion, NC.
Yesterday, firefighting operations focused on fireline construction and securing private property. Once the firelines were complete, firefighters worked into the evening on burnout operations. Burnout operations are a critical tool, especially in this area where rugged, steep terrain limits direct access. Working off the completed firelines, firefighters set controlled areas of low intensity fires between the active fire edge and the fireline. This managed burning removes much of the remaining fuels within the firelines, such as leaf litter and downed branches. Without these fuels, fire spread is slowed and firelines become more effective for control. Firefighters worked through the night to monitor the fire following successful burnout operations.
Today, firefighters will be working to improve firelines. Less fire activity is expected today, both due to the successful burnout operations and the more favorable weather conditions. Significant rainfall is predicted over the next several days, providing a much-needed source of moisture to the fire area. Fire managers are monitoring incoming weather for potential wind gusts this afternoon ahead of the rain front.
Smoke from the Buck Creek Fire has noticeably improved this morning. The public should still expect to see smoke today, particularly in Marion, NC along the Highway 221 corridor. Use caution when driving through smoky areas, particularly in the evenings and mornings when smoke settles closer to the ground.
The fire is burning primarily on U.S. Forest Service lands in the Grandfather Ranger District, part of the Pisgah National Forest. Four houses remain at risk within the Buck Creek fire area. The North Carolina Forest Service is continuing to monitor private property. Both U.S. Forest Service and NC Forest Service resources are working under a unified command for the Buck Creek fire with approximately 90 personnel on scene. McDowell County Emergency Management is assisting.
Highway 80 in McDowell County remains closed except to local traffic due to damage from Hurricane Helene. Please avoid the area for the safety of our firefighters and the public.
Photo: Firefighters manage burnout operations along NC Highway 80.
Photo by Dana Hodde, U.S. Forest Service.
