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On Wednesday and Thursday, firefighters in McDowell County were busy with three wildfires, including one near hurricane-damaged Old Fort.
The Crooked Creek fire in McDowell County burns against the night sky in this photo by Montana Eck. The fire has consumed approximately 250 acres as of Jan. 30.
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The biggest of these, the Crooked Creek fire near Old Fort, burned an estimated 250 acres and was 55% contained as of Thursday morning.
The Crooked Creek fire captured by photographer Montana Eck.
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On Thursday morning, emergency crews reported significant progress overnight with the Crooked Creek fire as winds diminished and relative humidity increased, according to a news release from McDowell Emergency Management.
Emergency officials also lifted an evacuation order for residents in the 3000-4500 block of Bat Cave Road, Pine Cove Road, Cherry Springs Road, Roy Moore Road, Julia Drive, the 1000 block of Lavender Road, and Cozy Cove Road. The initial evacuation order was put in place on Wednesday.
As of Thursday morning, there were no injuries or fatalities reported. However, one home sustained damage, and multiple outbuildings were destroyed, according to the news release.
An emergency shelter was opened at 203 E. Main St. in Old Fort, which is the First Baptist Church of Old Fort.
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More fires
On Wednesday, firefighters battled and extinguished a fire at Watson Place, north of Marion.
Then a third wildfire in McDowell was reported Wednesday.
Firefighters faced a fire off Good Road in the Woodlawn community of Marion. Emergency personnel are referring to the blaze as the North Fork fire.
By late Thursday morning, emergency officials reported the North Fork wildfire had burned 60 acres.
The Crooked Creek fire on Wednesday. The image is by Montana Eck of Old Fort.
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McDowell County Emergency Services said Thursday that firefighters were actively monitoring the North Fork fire. At that time, there was no imminent threat to structures.
Fire personnel were strategically staged along Good Road and American Thread Road to monitor nearby homes and provide structure protection as needed. The fire was not contained as of Thursday morning.
Weather forecasts call for rain on Friday, which should help the situation.
The Crooked Creek fire is clearly visible in this photo by Montana Eck.
The Crooked Creek fire in McDowell County burns against the night sky in this photo by Montana Eck. The fire has consumed approximately 250 acres as of Jan. 30.
