Fire at 520 acres
NEBO – Firefighters made significant progress Sunday on containing the Buck Creek Fire in McDowell County, using burnout operations to secure firelines, according to a U.S. Forest Service release.
The fire grew to 520 acres, with containment at 50 percent. The Buck Creek Fire, which began from a downed power line, is located east of N.C. Hwy. 80 in the Lake Tahoma area of Marion.
Over the weekend, firefighting operations focused on fireline construction and securing private property. Once the firelines were complete, firefighters worked into the evening on burnout operations.
Burnout operations are a critical tool, especially in this area where rugged, steep terrain limits direct access. Working off the completed firelines, firefighters set controlled areas of low intensity fires between the active fire edge and the fireline.
This managed burning removes much of the remaining fuels within the firelines, such as leaf litter and downed branches. Without these fuels, fire spread is slowed and firelines become more effective for control. Firefighters worked through the night to monitor the fire following successful burnout operations.
Less fire activity is expected this week, both due to the successful burnout operations and the more favorable weather conditions. Significant rainfall is predicted, providing a much-needed source of moisture to the fire area. Fire managers are monitoring incoming weather for potential wind gusts.
Smoke from the Buck Creek Fire has noticeably improved. The fire is burning primarily on U.S. Forest Service lands in the Grandfather Ranger District, part of the Pisgah National Forest.
Four houses remain at risk within the Buck Creek fire area. The North Carolina Forest Service is continuing to monitor private property. Both U.S. Forest Service and N.C. Forest Service resources are working under a unified command for the Buck Creek fire with approximately 90 personnel on scene. McDowell County Emergency Management is assisting.
Highway 80 in McDowell County remains closed except to local traffic due to damage from Hurricane Helene.