MCDOWELL COUNTY, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The Crooked Creek Fire, which burned 220 acres in McDowell County over a two-day span, was caused by a fallen powerline, emergency officials said.

As of 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, the Crooked Creek Fire was 100 percent contained, the North Carolina Forest Service said. The fire was caused by a fallen powerline.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to all local and surrounding county fire departments, law enforcement agencies, EMS personnel, and rescue teams who worked tirelessly to protect lives and property in the Crooked Creek community,” McDowell County EMS officials said in a social media post. “This response was yet another testament to the collaboration and dedication of emergency responders across Western North Carolina.”

“A special thank you to the community groups and volunteers who provided equipment, food, and water to those on the front lines. The outpouring of support from our community was truly appreciated—not only by the first responders but also by those who were temporarily evacuated.”

North Fork Fire

Firefighters also had to contend with a blaze in rugged terrain above the North Fork of the Catawba River in the Graveyard Mountain area of the U.S. Forest Service Grandfather Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest.

The 60-acre fire burning east of U.S. 221 in the Woodlawn community was reported about 4 p.m. Wednesday and is 0 percent contained, McDowell County authorities said.

High winds caused the fire to grow through the afternoon Thursday.

When firefighters arrived on scene, they began installing a fire line on the northern end of the fire to slow the spread toward private property along Good Road and American Thread Village, according to a McDowell County EMS social media post.

North Carolina Forest Service, North Carolina Emergency Management, and local fire departments from Woodlawn, Glen Alpine, Enola, Long Town, Chesterfield, Columbus, Sunnyview and Parkway assisted with structure protection through the night. As of Thursday morning, there was no imminent threat to structures and no evacuation orders in place.