Public safety, containment remain top priorities in WNC wildfires

Press release:

Public Safety and Containment Remain Top Priorities in Western North Carolina Wildfires

Lake Lure, N.C. – Governor Pat McCrory said the safety of first responders,
citizens and structures remains the state’s number one goal as nearly 1,600
firefighters continue to battle wildfires throughout western North
Carolina. Nearly 40,000 acres have been burned in the state by 19
significant fires since October 23. The governor announced that the
estimated cost of these fires is more than $10 million.

“We have California wildfires in North Carolina and they continue to cause
serious challenges for our firefighter community, for towns throughout
western North Carolina, and they continue to use a lot of resources and
impact our environment,” said Governor McCrory. “We are working together as
a team among mayors, county commissioners, state officials, the federal
government and firefighters to address our priorities of containing these
fires and protecting the safety of our first responders, citizens and
structures.”

To date, wildfires have threatened 1,780 structures, damaged one structure
and destroyed two structures. Investigations continue into the cause of
wildfires, however Governor McCrory said dry conditions in the region may
cause fires to last several months. He also expressed his concern and
appreciation for firefighters from North Carolina and throughout the
country engaged in combatting the wildfires.

On Saturday, the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) approved
Governor McCrory’s request for financial assistance through Fire Management
Assistance Grants which allow FEMA to pay for 75 percent of the emergency
protective measures taken in fighting the fires including expenses for
field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; tools, materials and
supplies; and mobilization and demobilization activities.

Governor McCrory provides an update from the

Lake Lure Incident Command Post this morning

Governor McCrory’s State of Emergency remains in effect for 25 counties in
western North Carolina. While many evacuation orders have been lifted,
mandatory evacuations are still in place in Burke, Graham and Rutherford
counties. One shelter is open in Henderson County with three occupants.

The governor said officials will use more roads and creeks as natural
containment barriers to fight fires over the coming days. In addition to
nearly 1,600 firefighters from North Carolina and other states, 100 engines
are being used to combat the wildfires. In support of the U.S. Forest
Service, N.C. Emergency Management’s Helo-Aquatic Rescue Team has deployed
a N.C. National Guard Blackhawk helicopter to be on standby, along with
local rescue technicians to perform any rescues necessary from wildfire
fighting operations.

Fires have closed many state parks, sections of the Appalachian Trail and
roads throughout the region. The Tellico Fire in Macon and Swain counties
has closed a 10-mile section of US 19/74 between NC 129 and NC 28. The
Party Rock fire near Lake Lure and Chimney Rock has closed a 7-mile stretch
of US 64/74A and NC 9. The N.C. Department of Transportation has set up
detours around closed roads. For more information on road closures, click
[1]here.

Governor McCrory said that among the eight major wildfires still burning in
North Carolina, the Party Rock fire in Rutherford County is considered the
No. 2 priority fire in the nation and has caused 1,000 people to be
evacuated. Details on the major fires burning are found below:

Tellico Fire – Macon/Swain counties:
* Approximately 13,700 acres burned to date – 33% contained
* 190 firefighters on scene

Party Rock – Rutherford County:
* Approximately 2,450 acres burned – 15% contained
* 376 firefighters on scene

Chestnut Knob – Burke County:
* Approximately 2,850 acres burned – 15% contained
* 120 firefighters on scene

Boteler – Clay County:
* Approximately 8,695 acres burned – 23% contained
* 351 firefighters on scene

Dicks Creek – Jackson County:
* Approximately 730 acres burned – 92% contained
* 51 firefighters on scene

Knob – Macon County:
* Approximately 1,130 acres burned – 90% contained
* 27 firefighters on scene

Maple Springs & Old Roughy – Graham County:
* Maple Springs: approximately 7,177 acres burned – 15% contained
* Old Roughy: approximately 657 acres burned – 60% contained
* 410 firefighters on scene

Muskrat Valley- Macon County:
* Approximately 103 acres burned
* 50 firefighters on scene