Wildfires Break Out in Hurricane-Ravaged North Carolina Towns [WATCH]

Just when residents thought they were past the worst of Hurricane Helene’s destruction, new trouble has sparked. At least three wildfires have erupted near towns still struggling to recover from the storm’s catastrophic impact, as reported by The New York Post.

As of Thursday morning, the Crooked Creek Fire in McDowell County has scorched roughly 250 acres. Fire crews have managed to contain 55% of the blaze, thanks to improved weather conditions overnight.

🔥NOT AGAIN – At least three wildfires have ignited near North Carolina towns that were devastated by Hurricane Helene.

Old Fort wildfire burns 250 acres, now 55% contained. Evacuation orders lifted.

The Crooked Creek fire in Old Fort burned 250 acres through the evening of… pic.twitter.com/gLMZVjlLaz

— Joshua Gathings (@josh_gathings) January 30, 2025

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Lower winds and higher humidity helped slow the fire’s advance, allowing firefighters to gain the upper hand.

Officials have lifted evacuation orders, permitting families to return to their homes. However, emergency crews remain stationed in the area to keep a close eye on the fire’s progression.

So far, no injuries or fatalities have been reported, but at least one home has been damaged, and several outbuildings have been reduced to ashes.

Fire investigators traced the source of the blaze to a fallen tree on a downed power line, a consequence of the storm’s lasting destruction. High winds only exacerbated the situation, fueling the flames.

“The emergency management of this county had said that it’s a lot of that debris from Helene and the cut-down trees, the dry brush, that’s making it challenging for a lot of these firefighters,” FOX News Multimedia Reporter Chelsea Torres reported.

🔥 Wildfires Rage in Hurricane-Ravaged North Carolina 🔥🧵

The Crooked Creek Fire in McDowell County has burned 250 acres, forcing evacuations before crews got it 55% contained. Fueled by gusty winds and dry conditions, the fire erupted when a tree fell on a power line—because… pic.twitter.com/FufWYhFC6O

— Kristy Tallman (@KristyTallman) January 30, 2025

Two additional fires sparked north of Marion, North Carolina, on Wednesday afternoon. Fortunately, local emergency officials say no evacuations have been necessary for those fires—yet. Still, the conditions remain concerning.

The North Carolina Forest Service issued warnings earlier this week, cautioning residents that fire-friendly weather—low humidity and gusty winds—could pose a serious risk. Those fears have now materialized, with flames racing across dry terrain.

To make matters worse, the latest U.S. Drought Monitor report reveals that much of North Carolina is experiencing either abnormal dryness or moderate to severe drought conditions. With limited moisture, the landscape is primed for more wildfires to ignite and spread rapidly.

North Carolina is no stranger to hardship, but the lingering aftermath of Hurricane Helene has left scars that won’t heal anytime soon. The storm, which tore through the state in September, damaged or destroyed more than 70,000 homes.

Some communities, particularly in and around Asheville, found themselves completely cut off from first responders as floodwaters rose.

Rainfall exceeded 30 inches in some areas, leading to massive destruction and making Helene both the costliest and deadliest hurricane of the season. More than 200 lives were lost, adding to the storm’s grim legacy.

Now, as fire crews battle another crisis, North Carolina faces yet another painful reminder of nature’s fury. Residents who thought they were in recovery mode now find themselves bracing for yet another fight to protect their homes and livelihoods.