Full Notification

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 29, 2025
8:00 p.m.

Wildfire in Old Fort, NC - 15% Contained; Evacuation Orders Continue

Old Fort, NC – A wildfire burning in the Crooked Creek community of McDowell County is estimated at 250 acres with 15% containment. Evacuation orders will continue through the night for residents in the 3000-4500 block of Bat Cave Rd., Pine Cove Rd., Cherry Springs Rd., Roy Moore Rd., Julia Drive, the 1000 block of Lavender Rd., and Cozy Cove Dr.  This includes all private drives that turn off the roads listed above.  There is no expansion of the evacuation order with this update. Multiple outbuildings have been destroyed with one home suffering damage.  No homes have been destroyed and no injuries or fatalities have occurred.

Firefighters continue to focus on structure protection and will be working overnight to connect all containment lines to increase the containment percentage. The evacuation order will be reassessed by 08:00 on Thursday morning.   The evacuation order will remain overnight in the interest of safety for both citizens and firefighters. 

An emergency shelter is open at 203 East Main Street in Old Fort, NC. This is a pet-friendly shelter.

Officials will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. Residents are advised to stay informed through local media, the McDowell County Emergency Management Agency's social media channels, and the NIXLE alert system.  To receive McDowell County emergency alerts text 28752 to 888777.