Last Updated on January 30, 2025 8:48 am
Date: January 30, 2025
6:55 a.m.
Crooked Creek Fire Update – McDowell County
McDowell County, NC — As of 06:55 a.m. today, the Crooked Creek Fire in McDowell County has burned an estimated 250 acres and is now 55% contained. Emergency crews made significant progress overnight as winds diminished and relative humidity increased leading to lower fire activity.
The evacuation order for the affected areas will be lifted at 8:00 a.m. today, allowing residents to safely return to their homes. Emergency personnel will continue to remain on-site throughout the day to monitor the situation and ensure further containment of the fire.
There have been no injuries or fatalities reported. However, one home has sustained damage, and multiple outbuildings have been destroyed.
Key Details:
Fire size: 250 acres
Containment: 55%
Evacuation order to be lifted: 08:00 a.m. on 1/30/25
Structures impacted: 1 home damaged, multiple outbuildings destroyed
Injuries/Fatalities: 0
Location of media staging area: Crooked Creek Fire Department
McDowell County emergency officials continue to work closely with local, state, and federal agencies to ensure the safety of residents and further containment of the fire. We appreciate the public’s cooperation and the tireless efforts of emergency responders.
Officials will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. Residents are advised to stay informed through local media, the McDowell County Emergency Management Agency's social media channels, and the NIXLE alert system. To receive McDowell County emergency alerts text 28752 to 888777.
Wildfire Update for 1/30/25 at 05:30 a.m.
Firefighters remain on the scene at both the Crooked Creek Fire and the North Fork Fire in McDowell County. Crews made good progress overnight on the Crooked Creek Fire as multiple burnout operations were conducted with structure protection being the top priority. Fire officials on both fires are working to update acreage and containment numbers. A decision on whether to continue the current evacuation order for the Crooked Creek Fire will be made before 08:00 this morning after an additional review of the containment lines. There are no evacuation orders for the North Fork Fire as it continues to primarily burn on US Forest Service property near Good Rd. in Woodlawn.
There have been no reported injuries or fatalities with either fire. The Crooked Creek Fire has caused damage to one home with multiple outbuildings destroyed.
The next update will be released by 8:00 a.m. on 1/30/25
8:00 p.m. Wildfire in Old Fort, NC – 15% Contained; Evacuation Orders Continue
Old Fort, NC – A wildfire burning in the Crooked Creek community of McDowell County is estimated at 250 acres with 15% containment. Evacuation orders will continue through the night for residents in the 3000-4500 block of Bat Cave Rd., Pine Cove Rd., Cherry Springs Rd., Roy Moore Rd., Julia Drive, the 1000 block of Lavender Rd., and Cozy Cove Dr. This includes all private drives that turn off the roads listed above. There is no expansion of the evacuation order with this update. Multiple outbuildings have been destroyed with one home suffering damage. No homes have been destroyed and no injuries or fatalities have occurred.
Firefighters continue to focus on structure protection and will be working overnight to connect all containment lines to increase the containment percentage. The evacuation order will be reassessed by 08:00 on Thursday morning. The evacuation order will remain overnight in the interest of safety for both citizens and firefighters.
An emergency shelter is open at 203 East Main Street in Old Fort, NC. This is a pet-friendly shelter.
Officials will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. Residents are advised to stay informed through local media, the McDowell County Emergency Management Agency's social media channels, and the NIXLE alert system. To receive McDowell County emergency alerts text 28752 to 888777.
6pm Update – Wildfire in Old Fort, NC – 5% Contained; Evacuation Orders Continue
Old Fort, NC – A wildfire burning in the Crooked Creek community of McDowell County is estimated at 200 acres with 5% containment. The fire has prompted the issuance of evacuation orders for residents in the 3000-4500 block of Bat Cave Rd., Pine Cove Rd., Cherry Springs Rd., Roy Moore Rd., Julia Drive, the 1000 block of Lavender Rd., and Cozy Cove Rd. This includes all private drives that turn off the roads listed above. The evacuation zone has not been expanded as of 6:00 p.m. High winds continue to create dangerous fire conditions. Winds are expected to diminish through the evening. Firefighters continue to focus on structure protection for multiple homes in the area and continue to work on establishing fire containment lines.
Emergency services are urging residents in the affected areas to adhere to evacuation orders to ensure their safety. An emergency shelter is open at 203 East Main Street in Old Fort, NC.
Officials will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. Residents are advised to stay informed through local media, the McDowell County Emergency Management Agency's social media channels, and the NIXLE alert system. To receive McDowell County emergency alerts text 28752 to 888777.
3pm Update – Old Fort, NC – A wildfire burning in the Crooked Creek community of McDowell County remains at 0% containment. The fire has prompted the issuance of evacuation orders for residents in the 3000-4500 block of Bat Cave Rd., Pine Cove Rd., Cherry Springs Rd., Roy Moore Rd., Juliet Drive, the 1000 block of Lavender Rd., and Comfy Cove Rd. This includes all private drives that turn off the roads listed above. High winds continue to create dangerous fire conditions. Firefighters continue to focus on structure protection for multiple homes in the area and continue work on establishing fire containment lines.
As of now, there have been no reported injuries, though multiple outbuildings have been destroyed by the blaze. All emergency agencies within McDowell County, along with support from neighboring counties, and state and federal partners, are actively working to combat the fire and protect life and property.
Emergency services are urging residents in the affected areas to adhere to evacuation orders to ensure their safety. An emergency shelter is open at 203 East Main Street in Old Fort.
Officials will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. Residents are advised to stay informed through local media, the McDowell County Emergency Management Agency's social media channels, and the NIXLE alert system. To receive McDowell County emergency alerts text 28752 to 888777.
