Last Updated on January 31, 2025 3:13 pm
NEBO, N.C. (Jan. 31, 2025) – Firefighters made progress on containing the North Fork Fire yesterday evening, which is now 40% contained at 350 acres. The North Fork fire is burning in areas of heavy damage from Hurricane Helene near the Woodlawn Community in McDowell County, NC. The fire is located east of Highway 221 and south of American Thread Road along the cliffs above the north Fork of the Catawba River in the U.S. Forest Service Grandfather Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest.
Yesterday, firefighters completed containment line construction and began burn out operations. Successful burnout operations through the late afternoon led to increased containment by removing the remaining fuel between the active fire and the firelines. In this firefighting technique, essentially “fighting fire with fire,” firefighters use drip-torches to light unburnt fuels near the firelines in small, controlled areas so that the fine fuels such as leaf litter and small branches are burnt. Removing the fine fuels means the fire is more likely to die out as it approaches the fire lines. Firefighters will continue these operations today as weather allows.
Today's operations are focusing on holding and improving firelines. Managers are monitoring rainfall predictions as wetter conditions move into the area this afternoon and evening. Predicted precipitation totals for the fire area are less than a quarter inch. This small amount of rainfall is not expected to fully extinguish the fire, especially in areas of heavy hurricane damage where piles of trees limit moisture from reaching the forest floor. However, the window of better conditions is expected to help increase containment today.
Smoke impacts are predicted to lessen throughout the day and into the weekend. However, localized areas of smoke may continue to impact smoke sensitive populations near North Cove, Woodlawn, Marion, and Lake James.
Approximately 100 personnel from the U.S. Forest Service, North Carolina Forest Service, and McDowell County Emergency Management are on the ground assisting with the North Fork Fire today. Risk to homes and structures has lessened, and no structures are at risk at this time.
The Mountains to Sea Trail between Hwy 221 and FSR 106, Bald Mountain Road (FSR 150) and Graveyard Mountain Road (FSR 149) remain closed for the safety of the public and firefighters. Recreationists are asked to avoid the area.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Crooked Creek Fire 100% Contained
As of 4:30 p.m. on January 30, 2025, the North Carolina Forest Service has confirmed that the Crooked Creek Fire, which burned 220 acres in McDowell County, is 100% contained. The fire was caused by a fallen powerline.
We extend our deepest gratitude to all local and surrounding county fire departments, law enforcement agencies, EMS personnel, and rescue teams who worked tirelessly to protect lives and property in the Crooked Creek community. This response was yet another testament to the collaboration and dedication of emergency responders across Western North Carolina.
A special thank you to the community groups and volunteers who provided equipment, food, and water to those on the front lines. The outpouring of support from our community was truly appreciated—not only by the first responders but also by those who were temporarily evacuated.
McDowell County Emergency Services is grateful for the unwavering resilience of our community and the teamwork that helped bring this fire to full containment. This will be the final update for the Crooked Creek Fire.
1/30/25 12:00 PM
Crooked Creek Fire Update – McDowell County, NC
McDowell County, NC – January 30, 2025 – The North Carolina Forest Service (NCFS) has provided an updated estimate of the Crooked Creek Fire in McDowell County following more accurate mapping. The fire is now estimated to have burned 220 acres with containment remaining at 55%. The fire was caused by a downed power line during high winds on Wednesday.
Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries or fatalities related to the fire. One home was damaged with multiple outbuildings destroyed. Furthermore, all evacuation orders have now been lifted. Residents who were previously evacuated are advised that it is safe to return to their homes. We are aware that some cell phones have continued to alert residents this morning, however, this is a technical issue with cellular networks. There are no active evacuation orders. All roads in the Crooked Creek community are now open. Crews will remain on site to manage the fire and work towards full containment.
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.
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.
