MCDOWELL COUNTY, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Evacuations remain in effect in McDowell County as crews battle a wildfire south of Little Switzerland.
An evacuation order issued Tuesday, April 15, for all residents on Wild Acres Road, including the Wild Acres Retreat, remains in place and will continue until further notice, county officials said Wednesday.
As of 6 p.m. Wednesday, the Bee Rock Creek Fire was estimated at 300 acres with 0 percent containment near the Armstrong Fish Hatchery in McDowell County. About 150 firefighters and three helicopters are working to suppress the fire burning in heavy storm debris on steep terrain, the U.S. Forest Service said. Crews are focused on protecting homes and other structures as well as the hatchery.
Firefighters will continue to work through the night to increase containment and provide structure protection, McDowell County authorities said.
No additional evacuation orders are expected at this time, they said. Should conditions change overnight, residents will be alerted by the Emergency Alert System via cellular devices.
Please be aware of smoke and crews in the area. Drive slowly and use caution on any roads where smoke may be settling.
No injuries have been reported, and no structures have been lost, McDowell County officials said.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Click here to view McDowell County’s live evacuation map.