Wildfires Break Out In Western North Carolina As Recovery From Helene Continues

Firefighters in Western North Carolina are battling multiple wildfires in McDowell County, an area still reeling from the destruction left by Hurricane Helene. The largest of these, the Crooked Creek Fire, has burned at least 250 acres near Old Fort and was only 15% contained as of Wednesday night, according to emergency officials.

Authorities say the fire started when a tree fell onto a power line, sparking flames that spread quickly due to dry conditions and high winds. The region has seen below-average rainfall in recent weeks, creating an environment ripe for wildfires. Wind gusts reaching 50 mph on Wednesday only fueled the flames, though conditions were expected to improve overnight.

Evacuations have been ordered in parts of Old Fort, where residents are being urged to leave for their safety. A temporary shelter has been set up at a Baptist church in town for those displaced by the fire. Emergency responders have reported the destruction of multiple outbuildings, but so far, no injuries have been recorded.

The North Carolina Forest Service had issued a fire warning earlier in the day, citing a combination of strong winds, low humidity, and drought conditions as a major risk. These concerns materialized quickly as the flames spread through areas already struggling to rebuild from the storm damage inflicted months earlier.

Two smaller fires have also been reported in McDowell County. The North Fork Fire and the Watson Place Fire, both in Marion, remain under investigation, and officials have not yet provided details on their containment status.

The wildfires come as Old Fort and surrounding communities continue their slow recovery from Helene, which devastated homes and businesses in September. Many residents are still displaced, making this latest disaster an added burden for a region already facing hardship.