Bee Rock Branch fire burns nearly 200 acres in McDowell County, 0% containment
MCDOWELL COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Emergency crews have been working around the clock to contain the Bee Rock Branch Fire, a wildfire in McDowell County that has now scorched an estimated 175 acres and is showing no signs of slowing down.
The fire, which broke out on Tuesday, April 15, is active in an area north of Armstrong Creek Road and south of Wild Acres Road, McDowell County Emergency Management said.
As of now, an evacuation order remains in place for all residents on Wild Acres Road, including those at the Wild Acres Retreat. Officials are urging the public to steer clear of the area and listen closely to instructions from emergency personnel.
The fire has grown to 175 acres at 0% containment as it moves through steep terrain and heavy storm debris in McDowell County near the Armstrong Fish Hatchery. The fire is spreading out on all sides and has crossed Pups Branch Creek by approximately 50 acres. Firefighters are focused on protecting structures such as the hatchery, and homes around Armstrong Creek.
U.S. Forest Service
Crews along the eastern edge of the fire are utilizing hand tools, engines, and aerial resources to directly fight the fire. Crews along the western side are scouting areas to best contain the fire.
Residents can stay informed through official updates and check the McDowell County live evacuation map for the latest developments.
At this time, no structures have been lost, and no injuries have been reported. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Pinpoint Weather Alert: Hot & muggy on Saturday, strong PM storms possible
(PINPOINT WEATHER) — Good Saturday morning, and welcome to the weekend! We are tracking what will be quite a hot and muggy weekend, with a few thunderstorm chances during the afternoon and evening. A very summerlike pattern. Temperatures are starting in the mid- to upper 60s and lower 70s this Saturday morning, with highs expected to possibly crack the 90-degree mark for the first time this year later Saturday in many locations. Be sure to drink plenty of water and find as much shade as possible throughout the day. Saturday is a Pinpoint Weather Alert, as there will be a few hit-or-miss showers and storms that pop up during the afternoon. A storm or two this afternoon may contain gusty winds and small hail. Have the Pinpoint Weather App handy if you are out at any of the numerous outdoor events scheduled across the Queen City News viewing area this weekend. The better chance for more widespread storm chances will arrive late Saturday evening, as a decaying complex of storms moves into the region. Model data as of this morning is showing a weakening trend with that line of storms as it moves into the Carolinas tonight around 8-9 pm. However, frequent lightning and isolated damaging wind gusts are possible late this evening. Conditions will dry out tonight, but we will stay warm and muggy, with lows only falling into the upper 60s and lower 70s. Anticipate another hot and muggy day for Sunday. Temperatures will surge into the mid to upper 80s for the afternoon. Although we will not be tracking another complex of storms for Sunday, there will be another chance for pop-up showers and storms during the afternoon, before tapering off by the evening. Damaging wind gusts will once again be the top concern with any storms that become strong to severe on Sunday, but it is an isolated threat. This general summerlike pattern will continue for much of next week. Hot and humid conditions, with general afternoon pop-up showers or thunderstorm chances most 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
North Carolina leaders urge preparedness for hurricane season
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — North Carolina Leaders say now is the time to prepare for hurricane season. Emergency management officials say more than a dozen named storms will hit the US this season. Several are expected to become powerful, dangerous hurricanes. During a press conference on Thursday, Governor Josh Stein said North Carolinians should have an emergency kit ready, including important documents and three to five days' worth of food and water. State Emergency Manager Director William Ray said forecasters expect at least a dozen powerful storms to make landfall the next few months, six to ten of those storms could become hurricanes. 'The state emergency response team is hosting workshops, planning sessions, conducting plan reviews, conducting operation and logistics and readiness checks,' Ray added. Over at Duke Energy, Hurricane Helene is still fresh on the mind of staff at their power distribution control center in Charlotte. 'We've never experienced something like that,' said operator Laura Weigel. Company executives told Queen City News they took what they saw during Helene and applied it to trainings they run every year. 'We also practice ahead of storm season, doing storm drills, preparing operators for a variety of scenarios they might encounter. You know, every kind of scenario, including even a facility not working,' said Duke Energy spokesperson Jeff Brooks. Brooks echoed Stein's message, saying everyone should have a plan in place. 'Where would you go if you had an extended power outage? Do you have a generator in your home and do you know how to use it safely, always use those outside.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
Sinkhole shuts down part of W. Morehead Street in Charlotte: What to know
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A sinkhole has forced a road closure on a well-traveled stretch of W. Morehead Street in Charlotte. The problem popped up near the intersection of W. Morehead Street and Suttle Avenue, just west of Uptown. Because of the damage, crews have shut down W. Morehead between Freedom Drive and Suttle Avenue in both directions while repairs are underway. 🚗 Track issues along your commute with the QCN Traffic Interactive Map While the closure may not cause major traffic delays according to NCDOT, it's still important to give yourself extra time if you're heading through that area. Sinkhole details: W. Morehead Street near Freedom Drive The estimated reopening is Thursday at 8:18 p.m. Officials haven't confirmed if the road will reopen on schedule. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
