Last Updated on April 22, 2016 5:20 pm
NEBO, N.C., April 22, 2016 – Aided by wet conditions today, firefighters have made progress in containing the Hot Box Fire burning on the Grandfather Ranger District in McDowell County, north of Ridgecrest, NC.
The fire is located on Pisgah National Forest and private property in the Mill Creek area, north of Ridgecrest and west of Old Fort near the Point Lookout Trail. Favorable weather allowed firefighters to get an accurate size-up of the fire today, which is now estimated at 45 acres and 50% contained.
Much needed rainfall reduced fire behavior, but has not fully extinguished the flames. Fire officials expect the fire will be fully contained by tomorrow evening.
The Point Lookout Trail will remain closed through tomorrow evening. The Forest Service is asking the public to avoid the area until fire operations are completed.
The fire was ignited as three separate starts due to sparks from the railroad.
Firefighters with the U.S. Forest Service, North Carolina Forest Service, and the Old Fort Fire Department are providing support.
