Full Notification

Bee Rock Branch Fire Update:
April 15, 2025 @ 10:30 p.m.

The Bee Rock Branch Fire is burning in a rugged area north of Armstrong Creek Rd. and south of Wild Acres Rd. in northern McDowell County. The fire is estimated to have burned 175 acres and is currently 0% contained.  Firefighters will continue to work through the night along Armstrong Creek Rd., and Wild Acres Rd. to increase containment and provide structure protection.

An evacuation order remains in place for all residences and structures on Wild Acres Rd. off NC 226 A just south of Little Switzerland.  No additional evacuation orders are expected overnight.  Should conditions change overnight, residents will be alerted by the Emergency Alert System via cellular devices. The evacuation order will be reassessed no later than 09:00 a.m. on Wednesday with an additional update.  

The fire is being manged through unified command under the direction of the NC Forest Service, US Forest Service, and Woodlawn Fire Department.  McDowell County Emergency Management, McDowell County EMS, Ashford North Cove Fire Dept., Marion Fire Dept., Hankins FD, Parkway Fire & Rescue, Drexel FD, Ledger FD, Green Valley FD, and Triple Community are assisting at the scene tonight.  

The command post on Wild Acres Rd. will continue to monitor the fire overnight.  The next update will be sent out no later than 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday unless conditions change and warrant an emergency update.  

Live Evacuation Map for Bee Rock Branch Fire:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1CXLmMZS5emLaOiOb36pFCiSvn6oaXYU&usp=sharing