Evacuation orders have been issued for residents near Old Fort in McDowell County as a wildfire, currently burning across 200 acres, rages out of control. According to the North Carolina Forest Service, the fire is 5% contained, and firefighting efforts are ongoing to prevent the blaze from spreading to homes.
The evacuation orders, issued by the McDowell County Emergency Management Agency, affect residents living between the 3000 and 4500 blocks of Bat Cave Road, Pine Cove Road, Julia Drive, and Roy Moore Road. Local authorities have urged those in the affected areas to evacuate immediately and remain away until the fire is under control.
I drove by the area of the second fire in McDowell County, this is along US 221 North and Watson Place near Woodlawn.
While I didn’t stop to see if this burned up the hillside to the right, this fire looks smaller in scope and more contained. Needless to say, zero burning… pic.twitter.com/fkusx8gTtq
— Dan Crawley (@SoApps1979) January 29, 2025
As of 7:00 p.m., no injuries have been reported.
Firefighters Battle Gusty Winds
Firefighters are working tirelessly to control the wildfire, which is being fueled by strong winds gusting up to 30 mph. Emergency officials stated that the gusty winds have made it more difficult to manage the fire’s spread.
An emergency shelter is opening at First Baptist Church on East Main Street in Old Fort.
DEVELOPING STORY…Keep refreshing for updates.
