McDowell County, N.C. — Officials have confirmed that the Crooked Creek Fire, which burned 220 acres in McDowell County, North Carolina, is now fully contained. Emergency crews battled the wildfire for days, prioritizing structure protection and containment efforts.
Evacuations Lifted, Roads Reopen
McDowell County officials announced that all evacuation orders were lifted at 8 a.m. on Thursday after crews made significant progress overnight. However, due to technical issues with cell networks, some residents continued to receive evacuation alerts even after they were officially rescinded.
With the fire under control, all roads in the Crooked Creek community have reopened. Authorities have assured residents that emergency personnel will remain on-site throughout the day to monitor conditions and prevent any flare-ups.
Fire Impact and Response Efforts
The Crooked Creek Fire ignited along the 3500 block of Bat Cave Road and spread rapidly due to high winds, prompting authorities to classify it as “extremely dangerous.” While no injuries or fatalities were reported, the fire damaged one home and destroyed multiple outbuildings.
Firefighters conducted multiple burnout operations to slow the spread of the flames, and favorable weather conditions, including diminished winds and increased humidity, aided containment efforts. Meanwhile, another wildfire, the North Fork Fire, continues to burn 200 acres near the Woodlawn community, but officials report it is 20% contained and poses no immediate threat to structures.
Continued Monitoring and Caution
Authorities urge residents to remain vigilant as firefighters continue monitoring hotspots. While the immediate danger from the Crooked Creek Fire has passed, McDowell County emergency officials emphasize the importance of wildfire preparedness, especially during dry and windy conditions.