A massive wildfire in Western North Carolina has now forced the evacuation of residents around Bat Cave and Old Fort.
The evacuation order affected all private drives off the following roads:
- 3000-4500 block of Bat Cave Road
- Pine Cove Road
- Cherry Springs Road
- Roy Moore Road
- Julia Drive
- 1000 block of Lavender Road
- Cozy Cove Drive
According to McDowell County Emergency Management, the fires were initially ignited after a tree fell on a power line near the 3000 block of Bat Cave Road.
Firefighters worked overnight to contain the fire, which had spread to approximately 250 acres by Thursday morning. Emergency officials confirmed that the fire was 55% contained as of 6:55 a.m. today. The evacuation order will be lifted at 8 a.m., allowing residents to return home.
Although no injuries or fatalities have been reported, one home sustained damage, and multiple outbuildings were destroyed. The area, already impacted by Hurricane Helene months ago, faced additional challenges due to dry conditions fueling the fire’s spread.
