A wildfire in McDowell County has rapidly spread, engulfing over 500 acres, prompting emergency officials to respond swiftly. By midday, containment efforts had achieved only a modest 10 percent control over the blaze. The fire has necessitated evacuations in an area previously devastated by Hurricane Helene last September.
Firefighters from various parts of the country have been deployed to the affected region. Among them is a firefighter from Montana working with the U.S. Forest Service, while the North Carolina Forest Service and local firefighting teams are also actively involved in combating the fire.
As responders traverse the area, remnants of Hurricane Helene’s destruction are evident, with smoke visible in the distance, alongside downed trees and landslides. Efforts are underway to establish containment lines along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Local residents have expressed concerns about ongoing hazards posed by the fallen trees, which may exacerbate challenges in the already-stricken western North Carolina area.
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