
Emergency crews in McDowell County, North Carolina, are working to contain fast-moving wildfires that have ignited in an area still recovering from Hurricane Helene’s devastation. The largest blaze, the Crooked Creek Fire, has already consumed 250 acres near Old Fort, forcing residents to flee as strong winds continue to drive the flames.
Officials reported that the fire started when a fallen tree struck a power line, sparking flames that spread rapidly due to dry brush and hurricane debris left behind from September’s storm. Winds reaching 50 mph made containment efforts difficult, leading to an evacuation order for threatened homes. A shelter has been set up at a local church to accommodate those displaced.
Praying for Western North Carolina. Floods, now fire. The devil never stops. https://t.co/Ls1HnUQjcu
— Red Lens Nation (@RedLensNation) January 30, 2025
The North Carolina Forest Service had issued warnings earlier in the day, highlighting an increased fire risk due to ongoing drought conditions, low humidity, and strong winds. The combination of dry fuel and gusty winds created ideal conditions for the fire to grow quickly.
🚨#BREAKING: Absolutely TERRIFYING aerial footage of the #CrookedCreekFire in Western North Carolina.
Fire is at 69 acres and spreading out of control!
h/t: Spartan Photography WNC pic.twitter.com/MKaPib3aNY
— Matt Van Swol (@matt_vanswol) January 29, 2025
Firefighters are focusing on protecting homes and slowing the fire’s advance, but officials have confirmed that several outbuildings have already been lost. Despite the destruction, no injuries have been reported so far.
An "out of control" wildfire in NC burning near Old Fort is forcing evacuations, according to the McDowell County Emergency Management Administration. The 150-acre fire has 0% containment
Please pray for North Carolina 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/A0bSqf1SKj
— ShotGunBonnie (@ShotGun_Bonnie) January 29, 2025
In addition to the Crooked Creek Fire, emergency responders are monitoring two other fires in McDowell County. The North Fork Fire and Watson Place Fire, both located in Marion, remain active, though authorities have not yet provided containment updates.
The wildfire in McDowell County #NorthCarolina is being picked up on doppler radar near Greenville, SC.
Smoke can just barely be made out on visible satellite too.#ncwx #WeatherOnThe1s pic.twitter.com/eEouFI7sQT
— Tom Meiners (@tommeinerstv) January 29, 2025
With thousands of residents still displaced from Hurricane Helene, the fires present another major challenge for the region. Emergency teams remain on high alert as they battle the flames and monitor weather conditions for any further fire risks.