A fast-spreading wildfire broke out on Wednesday in the small town of Old Fort, North Carolina, just four months after Hurricane Helene left widespread destruction in the area. The fire, named the Crooked Creek Fire, has burned 250 acres so far and is only 15% contained, according to McDowell County Emergency Management.
Evacuations have been ordered, and firefighters are battling dangerous conditions fueled by strong winds and dry weather.
Evacuations and Emergency Response
Residents in several parts of Old Fort have been ordered to evacuate, with local emergency officials providing up-to-date evacuation orders on their website. For those needing shelter, an emergency center has been set up at 203 East Main Street. Authorities have urged all residents in affected areas to evacuate immediately for their safety.
“High winds continue to create dangerous fire conditions,” officials said in their latest statement. Fire crews are focusing on protecting homes while working to create fire containment lines. Officials are hopeful that diminishing winds through the evening will help them gain control of the fire.
Weather Conditions Worsening the Fire
High winds and dry conditions have created the perfect storm for this wildfire to spread. A wind advisory issued by emergency management predicted winds of 15 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph lasting until 6 p.m. Wednesday. The strong winds have made it difficult for firefighters to contain the blaze, as the gusts quickly push flames across the dry vegetation.
Adding to the challenge, the town has received only 0.58 inches of rain this January, far below the normal average of just under 4 inches, according to meteorologist Nikki Nolan. Dry vegetation combined with strong winds creates an ideal environment for wildfires, making containment efforts much harder.
Cause of the Fire
Initial reports from local authorities suggest that the fire was ignited when a tree fell onto a power line, sparking flames that quickly spread due to the dry and windy conditions. This type of fire start is common in areas where dry weather and high winds are present, as fallen power lines can easily ignite nearby vegetation.
A Town Still Recovering from Hurricane Helene
The wildfire couldn’t come at a worse time for Old Fort, a town still reeling from the damage caused by Hurricane Helene in September. Tens of thousands of homes across western North Carolina were damaged during the hurricane, with Old Fort among the hardest-hit areas.
- 47 homes and buildings were completely destroyed in the town of just over 800 people.
- 36 additional homes were significantly damaged.
- Thousands of residents remain displaced, according to local reports.
This wildfire now threatens to worsen the town’s recovery, as firefighters work tirelessly to protect homes and prevent further destruction.
What’s Next?
Emergency officials are closely monitoring weather conditions and working to strengthen fire containment lines overnight. Although the winds are expected to weaken, the lack of rain continues to pose a serious threat. Residents have been advised to stay informed through local alerts and prepare for the possibility of prolonged evacuations.
Old Fort’s residents are facing yet another crisis, as the Crooked Creek Fire threatens a community still healing from the destruction of Hurricane Helene.With dry weather and high winds making firefighting efforts challenging, the town’s ability to recover may face additional setbacks. However, the dedication of emergency responders and local officials gives hope that further losses can be minimized.