4/17/25 Wildfire Update: Bee Rock Creek Fire is now 504 acres with 10% containment. Click link for more info. 
Bee Rock Creek Fire- Grandfather Ranger District 4/17/2025
The USDA Forest Service along with the North Carolina Forest Service, McDowell County and Woodlawn Fire Department are responding to the Bee Rock Creek Fire.
The fire is estimated at 504 acres with 10% containment as it moves through steep terrain and heavy storm debris in McDowell County near the Armstrong Fish Hatchery. About 180 personnel are assigned to the fire.
Firefighters are using direct and indirect suppression tactics along the fire's edge. Helicopters are dropping water to slow the fire's progress.
Yesterday crews put out a spot fire that crossed Rose's Creek on the east side of the fire.
McDowell County Emergency Management has issued evacuation orders for Wild Acres Road off NC 226A. There are no plans to expand the evacuation area at this time. Residents along Wild Acres Rd. that need sheltering assistance are asked to call 828-652-3241.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Please be aware of smoke and crews in the area. Drive slowly and use caution on any roads where smoke may be settling. For more information on smoke and air quality you can use NC Dept of Environmental Quality’s website: https://www.deq.nc.gov/.../smoke-wildfires-prescribed-burns
or fire.airnow.gov: https://fire.airnow.gov
Live Evacuation Map for Bee Rock Branch Fire:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/
Media Contact: Dana Hodde, (251)-391-0763
Address/Location
McDowell County Emergency Management
129 Barnes Rd
Marion, NC 28752
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 828-652-3241
TEXT-A-TIP - Text TIP MCDOWELLEM followed by your message, to 888777
