Buck Creek Fire Expands to 520 Acres in McDowell County, Containment Efforts Underway

A wildfire in McDowell County, ignited by a downed power line, has rapidly expanded to cover an alarming 520 acres as of Sunday, following a significant increase from 120 acres just a day prior. Dubbed the Buck Creek fire, the blaze is primarily affecting U.S. Forest Service lands within the Grandfather Ranger District of the Pisgah National Forest, particularly in the Lake Tahoma area near Marion. Firefighters have been making headway in their containment efforts, which currently sit at around 50%. They are employing controlled burns and strategic clearing of debris to establish firelines designed to halt the fire’s advance. As of the latest reports, four homes remain at risk from the encroaching flames, highlighting the ongoing threat to local residents. On Saturday evening, firefighters engaged in burnout operations—a technique that deliberately sets controlled fires in areas with flammable materials to create defensible lines against the primary fire. This method is crucial in the rugged, steep terrain of McDowell County, where direct access for firefighting efforts can be limited. By reducing the available fuel within the fire's path, firefighters can significantly slow the blaze’s spread. The response to the Buck Creek fire involves around 90 personnel from the U.S. Forest Service and the North Carolina Forest Service, with additional support from McDowell County Emergency Management. The teams worked diligently through the night on Saturday to monitor the situation and improve the established firelines. As of Sunday, weather conditions appear to be relatively favorable for firefighting efforts, with expectations of rain in the coming days that could further aid in suppressing the flames. Meanwhile, smoke lingering from the fire has reportedly improved, although residents in Marion along U.S. Highway 221 may still experience some smoke visibility. Travelers are advised to exercise caution, as N.C. Highway 80 remains closed to all but local traffic due to damage caused by Hurricane Helene. Officials are urging the public to avoid the area in order to ensure safety for both firefighters and residents. In a related note, another fire incident was reported in McDowell County on Friday, known as the Newberry Creek fire, which consumed a mere five acres. Fortunately, this fire has been fully contained with no structures threatened. Fire management teams continue to monitor the situation closely, ready to adapt their strategies as necessary to combat the Buck Creek fire and protect the community. The collaborative efforts of local and federal firefighting agencies exemplify the dedication to safeguarding both the natural environment and the lives of residents in McDowell County.