One fire remains after three wildfires began last week in McDowell County. McDowell County Emergency Management Division said the fires burned through the following areas:North Fork (American Thread Road area)Watson PlaceCrooked Creek (Bat Cave Road area) The North Fork Fire is the only one that remains as of Sunday. Below you will find the latest updates from officials:Update at 3:30 p.m. Sunday:There was minimal fire activity on the North Fork Fire yesterday afternoon. The fire remains at 644 acres and has increased to 65% containment. The North Fork fire is burning in areas of heavy damage from Hurricane Helene near the Woodlawn Community in McDowell County, NC. The fire is located east of Highway 221 and south of American Thread Road along the cliffs above the North Fork of the Catawba River in the U.S. Forest Service Grandfather Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest.Yesterday, minimal smoking was visible in the interior of the fire area. Pockets of smoldering large trees in Hurricane Helene damaged areas of the burn continued to hold heat. Light rain this morning decreased smoke, however, as conditions clear this afternoon, some smoke may be seen again from the interior of the fire area. Firefighters are continuing to patrol.Approximately 100 personnel from the U.S. Forest Service, North Carolina Forest Service, McDowell County Emergency Management, and Woodlawn Fire Department are on the ground assisting with the North Fork Fire today. No structures are at risk at this time.The Mountains to Sea Trail between Hwy 221 and FSR 106, Bald Mountain Road (FSR 150) and Graveyard Mountain Road (FSR 149) remain closed for the safety of the public and firefighters.Update at 12:30 p.m. Saturday:The North Fork Fire grew in size on Friday before receiving half an inch of rain overnight. The fire is now 60% contained at 644 acres. The North Fork Fire is burning in areas of heavy damage from Hurricane Helene near the Woodlawn Community in McDowell County, NC. The fire is located on Graveyard Mountain, east of Highway 221 and south of American Thread Road along the cliffs above the North Fork of the Catawba River in the U.S. Forest Service Grandfather Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest.Yesterday, firefighters took advantage of good weather to complete burnout operations. Much of the increase in fire size was due to these controlled, firefighting operations within the established containment lines. Rain arrived late in the afternoon. Precipitation totals on the fire reached half an inch, more than predicted, but not enough to fully extinguish the fire. Portions of the fire are sheltered in areas of extreme hurricane damage. These large piles of trees burned with high intensity, are now holding residual heat. Today, firefighters are taking advantage of last night's rain and lower fire intensity to put out remaining hotspots near the fire line. Fire managers are monitoring the interior of the fire to see if the hot spots light back up in the dry conditions that are predicted over the weekend. Smoke is still expected, but should be limited to interior burning within the containment lines. Smoke impacts to communities around the fire are expected to be minimal, and air quality should improve. Approximately 100 personnel from the U.S. Forest Service, North Carolina Forest Service, McDowell County Emergency Management, and Woodlawn Fire Department are on the ground assisting with the North Fork Fire today. No structures are at risk at this time. The Mountains to Sea Trail between Hwy 221 and FSR 106, Bald Mountain Road (FSR 150) and Graveyard Mountain Road (FSR 149) remain closed for the safety of the public and firefighters. Recreationists are asked to avoid the area. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.Update at 6:31 p.m. Friday:Firefighters are continuing operations this evening on the North Fork Fire, which has grown to 200 acres and is now 20% contained. Eighty firefighters are responding to the fire which is burning in areas of heavy damage from Hurricane Helene near the Woodlawn Community in McDowell County, NC. The North Fork Fire is located east of Highway 221 and south of American Thread Road along the cliffs above the North Fork of the Catawba River in the U.S. Forest Service Grandfather Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest.Smoke from the North Fork Fire is impacting communities in McDowell County. With hurricane damage, the amount of downed fuels in the forest that are burning are contributing to more smoke than past wildfires in the area. Prior to Hurricane Helene, most fuels were small twigs and leaves. Now, some large fuels, such as big, downed trees, are burning for longer, meaning extended smoke impacts. Additional fires in the county are also contributing to regional smoke. Cloudy conditions are not allowing smoke to disperse, meaning higher levels are staying in our communities. Forecasted Air Quality Indexes for the region are predicted to be moderate overnight into tomorrow. However, localized impacts may be more hazardous especially in low lying areas near North Cove, Woodlawn, Marion, and Lake James. Smoke sensitive populations (children, older adults, and those with respiratory conditions) should limit time outdoors until conditions improve. The Mountains to Sea Trail between Hwy 221 and FSR 106, Bald Mountain Road (FSR 150) and Graveyard Mountain Road (FSR 149) remain closed for the safety of the public and firefighters. Recreationists are asked to avoid the area. No structures are threatened at this time, and no evacuations are in place. The North Carolina Forest Service, North Carolina Emergency Management, and local fire departments from Woodlawn and North Cove are assisting with structure protection. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.The Crooked Creek Fire has been 100% contained.Update at 5:06 p.m.The Crooked Creek Fire that burned 220 acres in McDowell County is 100% contained as of 4:30 p.m. Thursday, the N.C. Forest Service reported.The North Fork Fire was last reported at 60 acres with 0% containment.There have been no additional updates to the North Fork and Watson Place fires.Update at 10 a.m.McDowell County Emergency Services is actively monitoring the North Fork Fire, which is currently estimated at 60 acres with 0% containment. At this time, there is no imminent threat to structures.Local fire departments are on scene and working in coordination with the U.S. Forest Service to provide structure protection and monitor fire behavior. Crews will continue containment efforts throughout the day.A more detailed update will be provided by the U.S. Forest Service as additional information becomes available. McDowell County Emergency Services will continue to share updates as we receive them. Residents are urged to stay informed and remain cautious in the area. Please avoid travel near fire operations to allow emergency crews to work safely.For official updates, follow McDowell County Emergency Services and the U.S. Forest Service.Update at 6:55 a.m. (Thursday)As of 6:55 a.m. today, the Crooked Creek Fire in McDowell County has burned an estimated 250 acres and is now 55% contained. Emergency crews made significant progress overnight as winds diminished and relative humidity increased leading to lower fire activity.The evacuation order for the affected areas will be lifted at 8:00 a.m. today, allowing residents to safely return to their homes. Emergency personnel will continue to remain on-site throughout the day to monitor the situation and ensure further containment of the fire.[/mediaosvideo]There have been no injuries or fatalities reported. However, one home has sustained damage, and multiple outbuildings have been destroyed.Update at 5:45 a.m. (Thursday)Firefighters remain on the scene at both the Crooked Creek Fire and the North Fork Fire in McDowell County. Crews made good progress overnight on the Crooked Creek Fire as multiple burnout operations were conducted with structure protection being the top priority. Fire officials on both fires are working to update acreage and containment numbers. A decision on whether to continue the current evacuation order for the Crooked Creek Fire will be made before 8:00 this morning after an additional review of the containment lines. There are no evacuation orders for the North Fork Fire as it continues to primarily burn on US Forest Service property near Good Rd. in Woodlawn. There have been no reported injuries or fatalities with either fire. The Crooked Creek Fire has caused damage to one home with multiple outbuildings destroyed.Update at 10 p.m.: (Wednesday)Emergency personnel will be on the scene throughout the night at each wildfire that is burning to ensure life and property are protected. Rest assured both fires are being monitored closely with crews on scene working to contain these fires. Should new evacuation orders be issued we will send out alert messages which will activate cell phones. Please ensure your phone is on and able to receive emergency alerts. An emergency shelter will remain open at 203 East Main Street in Old Fort.Update at 8:15 p.m.: North Fork FireAt approximately 4:00 p.m., an outside fire was reported in the area of Good Road in the Woodlawn Community of Marion, NC. Fire personnel immediately responded and are actively working to contain the fire.Crews will remain on scene throughout the night to ensure containment efforts continue. At this time, there are no active evacuation orders for the North Fork Fire. However, fire personnel are strategically staged along Good Road and American Thread Road to monitor nearby homes and provide structure protection as needed.Residents are asked to avoid the area to allow emergency crews to operate safely. Given the ongoing dry and windy conditions, the public is strongly advised to refrain from any outdoor burning.Update at 8:10 p.m.: Crooked Creek FireA wildfire burning in the Crooked Creek community of McDowell County is estimated at 250 acres with 15% containment.An evacuation order remains in effect overnight for all homes in the following areas:3000-4500 block of Bat Cave Rd.Pine Cove Rd.Cherry Springs Rd.Roy Moore Rd.Julia Drive1000 block of Lavender Rd.Cozy Cove DriveThis 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.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.Update at 7:34 p.m.:At approximately 4:00 p.m., an outside fire was reported in the area of Good Road in the Woodlawn Community of Marion, NC. Fire personnel immediately responded and are actively working to contain the fire.Crews will remain on scene throughout the night to ensure containment efforts continue. At this time, there are no active evacuation orders for the North Fork Fire. However, fire personnel are strategically staged along Good Road and American Thread Road to monitor nearby homes and provide structure protection as needed.Residents are asked to avoid the area to allow emergency crews to operate safely. Given the ongoing dry and windy conditions, the public is strongly advised to refrain from any outdoor burning.Update at 6:08 p.m.:A wildfire burning in the Crooked Creek community of McDowell County is estimated at 200 acres with 5% containment. An evacuation order remains in effect for all homes in the following areas:3000-4500 block of Bat Cave Rd.Pine Cove Rd.Cherry Springs Rd.Roy Moore Rd.Julia Drive1000 block of Lavender Rd.Cozy Cove DriveThis includes all private drives that turn off the roads listed above.High winds continue to create dangerous fire conditions. Winds are expected to diminish through the evening. Firefighters continue to focus on structure protection for multiple homes in the area and continue to work on establishing fire containment lines.An emergency shelter is open at 203 East Main Street in Old Fort, NC.Update at 4:28 p.m.:A wildfire burning in the Crooked Creek community of McDowell County remains at 0% containment and is estimated to have burned 150 acres at this time.An evacuation order remains in effect for all homes in the following areas:3000-4500 block of Bat Cave Rd.Pine Cove Rd.Cherry Springs Rd.Roy Moore Rd.Julia Drive1000 block of Lavender Rd.Cozy Cove DriveThis includes all private drives that turn off the roads listed above. As of 4:30 p.m. there are no expansions to the evacuation order for the Crooked Creek Fire. High winds continue to create dangerous fire conditions. Firefighters continue to focus on structure protection for multiple homes in the area and continue work on establishing fire containment lines.An emergency shelter is open at 203 East Main Street in Old Fort.Update at 3:33 p.m.: Watson Place FireFire personnel are on scene at 80 Watson Place on US 221 North in Marion, NC, working to contain a wildfire.There are no evacuation orders for the Watson Place Fire at this time. However, the public is urged to avoid the area to allow emergency crews to operate safely.As a reminder, all outdoor burning should be halted today due to high winds and dry conditions.An evacuation order remains in effect for all homes in the following areas: 3000-4500 block of Bat Cave Rd.Pine Cove Rd.Cherry Springs Rd.Roy Moore Rd.Julia Drive1000 block of Lavender Rd.Cozy Cove DriveUpdate at 3:12 p.m.:The wildfire burning in the Crooked Creek community of McDowell County remains at 0% containment.Evacuation orders have been issued for residents for the following: 3000-4500 block of Bat Cave Rd.Pine Cove Rd.Cherry Springs Rd.Roy Moore Rd.Julia Drive1000 block of Lavender Rd.Cozy Cove DriveThis includes all private drives that turn off the roads listed above. High winds continue to create dangerous fire conditions. Firefighters continue to focus on structure protection for multiple homes in the area and continue work on establishing fire containment lines.As of now, there have been no reported injuries, though multiple outbuildings have been destroyed by the blaze. All emergency agencies within McDowell County, along with support from neighboring counties, and state and federal partners, are actively working to combat the fire and protect life and property.An emergency shelter is open at 203 East Main Street in Old Fort. Update at 2:30 p.m.:The fire in the area of the 3500 block Bat Cave Rd has crossed over the roadway due to high winds creating rapidly worsening conditions.Immediate evacuation is recommended for residents in the 1000 block of Lavender Rd and all of Cozy Cove Dr. An emergency shelter is located at First Baptist Church in Old Fort.High winds continue to spread the fire making conditions extremely dangerous. Fire crews are actively working to contain the fire but evacuation is strongly advised for your safety.Do not delay evacuation. If you are in the affected area leave immediately.As of now, there have been no reported injuries, though multiple outbuildings have been destroyed by the blaze. NEW INFORMATION from the McDowell County Emergency Management: Emergency personnel from all across McDowell County including out of county agencies are working to provide structure protection to multiple homes in the Bat Cave Rd. and Pine Cove Rd. area. An evacuation order remains in effect for all homes in the 3000-4500 block of Bat Cave Rd., Pine Cove Rd., Roy Moore Rd., Cherry Springs Rd., and Juliet Drive. This includes all private drives off of the roads named above. Due to the wildfires in Old Fort, students living in the Bat Cave or Pine Cove Areas of Old Fort should be picked up from school today and not ride the bus. Buses will not travel down roads that are impacted by wildfires including roads with limited visibility. If you have concerns or questions please do not hesitate to contact your child’s school. There is 0% containment at this time. High winds continue to push this wildfire. Avoid this area unless you are evacuating from your home. A shelter is open at First Baptist Church Old Fort located on East Main Street. An out of control wildfire is currently burning in the 3000 block of Bat Cave Rd. moving toward Pine Cove Rd. Previous information from McDowell County Emergency Management:An outside fire has been reported in the area of 4131 Bat Cave Rd, Old Fort, NC, caused by a tree falling on a power line. Emergency crews are on scene working to contain the fire.All traffic should avoid the area. Bat Cave Rd is currently closed to through traffic, and all vehicles are being detoured onto Pine Cove Rd.Use caution and seek alternate routes. 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