
Emergency responders in McDowell County, North Carolina, are working to contain a fast-moving wildfire that erupted in an area still struggling to recover from Hurricane Helene. The Crooked Creek Fire, the largest of several blazes reported in the region, has already burned 250 acres near Old Fort and remains only 15% contained, according to county officials.
Authorities say the fire was sparked by a fallen tree hitting a power line, igniting dry vegetation left behind by the hurricane’s destruction. Strong winds, with gusts reaching 50 mph, helped spread the flames quickly, forcing evacuation orders in some neighborhoods. A shelter has been set up at a local Baptist church to assist displaced residents.
Praying for Western North Carolina. Floods, now fire. The devil never stops. https://t.co/Ls1HnUQjcu
— Red Lens Nation (@RedLensNation) January 30, 2025
Emergency crews have been working to protect homes and establish containment lines, though rough terrain and wind conditions have made firefighting efforts difficult. Several outbuildings have already been destroyed, but no injuries have been reported.
🚨#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
The North Carolina Forest Service had warned earlier in the day of increased fire risk due to ongoing drought conditions, low humidity, and gusty winds. Despite efforts to contain the blaze, officials say it is spreading unpredictably.
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
Two smaller fires were also reported in McDowell County. The North Fork Fire and the Watson Place Fire were both burning in the Marion area, though details on their size and containment status remain unclear.
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
The wildfires come as the region continues efforts to rebuild from Hurricane Helene, which left widespread destruction in late September. Many homes were damaged or destroyed, and thousands of residents are still in the process of recovering.