OLD FORT, N.C. — A wildfire in a McDowell County community is 100% contained, officials said Thursday afternoon.

The Crooked Creek wildfire, which has burned 220 acres as of Thursday afternoon, was caused by a downed powerline, according to a N.C. Forest Service statement via X.

Evacuations were also lifted Thursday morning for residents in Crooked Creek as firefighters made progress containing the wildfire. The fire spread quickly in Crooked Creek Wednesday with high winds and dry conditions, officials said. 

The evacuation order that went into place Wednesday lifted at 8 a.m. Thursday, and officials said residents may safely return to their homes.


What You Need To Know

  • Three wildfires were reported Wednesday in McDowell County

  • One of the blazes prompted an evacuation order for the Crooked Creek community that extended through Thursday morning

  • The Crooked Creek fire was 100% contained as of 4:30 p.m. Thursday

  • Strong winds and dry conditions elevated the risk of wildfires in the area

No injuries were reported but one home did sustain damage from the fire, according to officials, and multiple outbuildings were destroyed.

"Emergency crews made significant progress overnight as winds diminished and relative humidity increased leading to lower fire activity," emergency officials said Thursday morning. 

Firefighters worked Wednesday to establish containment lines and protect homes in the area of Old Fort.

The Crooked Creek Fire burns Wednesday evening in Old Fort, North Carolina. (Spectrum News 1/Courtney Davis)
The Crooked Creek Fire burns Wednesday evening in Old Fort, North Carolina. (Spectrum News 1/Courtney Davis)

The Crooked Creek fire is on Bat Cave Road in Old Fort, an area still recovering from Helene's flooding in September.

Two other wildfires broke out in the county Wednesday afternoon. County emergency management officials reported a wildfire just after 3:30 p.m. off U.S. 221 north of Marion, but it did not threaten any structures. And a wildfire was reported about 4 p.m. near Good Road in the Woodlawn community of Marion. Crews battled the Woodlawn blaze through the night.

"Gusty winds are pushing this fire making it difficult to control," county officials said in an alert to residents Wednesday. "Do not risk your life. Evacuate now and move to safety."

"Residents living in the 3000-4500 block of Bat Cave Rd., Pine Cove Rd. Juliet Drive, Roy Moore Rd. including all side roads should evacuate until this fire is under control," the county said. Residents along Lavender Road and Cozy Cove Drive were included in the evacuation order.

Firefighters from around the county and neighboring counties are working to protect homes in the area, officials said.

"High winds continue to push this wildfire. Avoid this area unless you are evacuating from your home," county emergency management officials said. 

Officials said an emergency shelter is open at the First Baptist Church at 203 E. Main St. in Old Fort.

The National Weather Service warned of increased fire danger for the area Wednesday, with dry air and wind gusts of 25 to 35 mph.

"All outdoor burning should be halted today due to high winds and dry conditions," county officials said.