North Carolina
North Carolina Wildfire: Map Shows Active Incidents in Area
A fast-moving wildfire has erupted in North Carolina’s McDowell County, prompting evacuations and raising concerns for residents still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Helene.
The fire, which started after a tree fell on a power line, has already burned through 80 acres and is now 15 percent contained, officials said, per CBS News.
Where Did the Wildfire Break Out?
The wildfire, named the Crooked Creek Fire, ignited near the town of Old Fort, which was significantly impacted by Hurricane Helene last September.
Evacuations have been ordered for residents along several roads, including Bat Cave Road, Pine Cove Road, Cherry Springs Road, and Juliet Drive, according to McDowell County Emergency Management.
Emergency officials said a second wildfire also started north of Marion, North Carolina, but it is much smaller—only two acres—and does not currently require evacuations. That fire is 0 percent contained, according to the North Carolina Forest Service.
Diamond Vances/The Charlotte Observer via AP
Both fires are being fueled by strong winds and dry conditions, increasing the risk of further spread.
Authorities have opened an emergency shelter for displaced residents at 203 East Main Street in Old Fort, urging those in affected areas to leave immediately.
“High winds continue to create dangerous fire conditions,” the McDowell County Emergency Management confirmed. “Firefighters continue to focus on structure protection for multiple homes in the area and continue work on establishing fire containment lines.”
How Much Has the Wildfire Been Contained?
As of Thursday morning, the wildfire is 15 percent contained, according to McDowell County Emergency Management.
Firefighters are making progress in controlling the flames, but the North Carolina Forest Service warned that strong winds and low humidity are still creating dangerous conditions for fire spread.
In the map below, you can see active incidents in the area marked as red, with active incidents in McDowell County. The full data is available at the North Carolina Forest Service website.
North Carolina Forest Service
Officials are urging residents to stay updated through emergency alert systems such as NIXLE alert system: text 28752 to 888777.
Old Fort, already struggling to rebuild after Hurricane Helene caused widespread flooding last year, now faces another challenge with the wildfire threatening homes and infrastructure.
Emergency crews continue to battle the flames, hoping for further containment progress in the coming hours.
North Carolina
Damaged Flock camera in North Carolina town sparks online debate over surveillance tech
RUTHERFORDTON, N.C. (WLOS) — A damaged Flock Safety camera in Rutherfordton has reignited debate over the use of license plate reader technology, with thousands weighing in online after police shared a photo of the vandalized device.
The Rutherfordton Police Department posted an image of the damaged camera on social media, where the post quickly gained more than 20,000 comments. While some users condemned the vandalism, others praised the person responsible, with comments including “Not all heroes wear capes” and “Give them a medal.”
Local law enforcement officials said there is too much misinformation online about the cameras.
FLOCK CAMERA DAMAGED IN NORTH CAROLINA TOWN, PROMPTING POLICE STATEMENT
“We’re seeing a lot of misconceptions that these cameras collect more data than they actually do,” said Capt. Ryan Bailey with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office. “The camera itself is only capturing the vehicle traveling down the road.”
Bailey said Flock cameras do not record video. Instead, they take still images of passing vehicles and capture license plate information. According to the sheriff’s office, those images are automatically deleted after 30 days.
The department also says safeguards are in place to prevent misuse of the system. Deputies are required to enter a case number before searching the database, allowing administrators to audit searches and ensure the technology is being used appropriately.
JULY 8, 2026 – A Flock camera in Rutherford County, North Carolina. (Photo: WLOS Staff)
Despite those protections, opinions among residents remain divided.
“I don’t like that idea at all because of the over-abundance of electronics and interference in our privacy,” Rutherfordton resident Rachel Alexander said.
Others believe the cameras are a valuable investigative tool.
“I have no really negative opinion with them. I think they’re really helpful, especially with criminals and children abductions,” said local homeowner Phyllis Irvine.
POLL: WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT FLOCK CAMERAS?
The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office says the cameras have also proven useful in locating vulnerable people, including those with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or other cognitive disabilities who may have gone missing while driving.
Officials say the technology has become an important resource for investigations and emergency response across the county.
Flock cameras cost about $3,500 each. Law enforcement officials say anyone caught intentionally damaging one could face charges.
North Carolina
North Carolina Republican operative shaping the state’s early voting plans is reassigned
North Carolina state Auditor Dave Boliek has reassigned a staffer working on state election preparations following reporting illustrating how the longtime Republican operative was using his position to shape county’s early voting plans.
North Carolina
North Carolina man accused of shooting and killing another tourist inside of a Broward Airbnb, police say
A Fourth of July trip to South Florida ended in tragedy after a 21-year-old North Carolina man was shot and killed inside a Hollywood Airbnb, according to police.
Investigators say Jaydon Williams, 21, was shot multiple times early Saturday morning at a vacation rental in the 1900 block of Funston Street. Hollywood police have arrested 21-year-old Devian Blount, also of North Carolina, and charged him with first-degree murder.
Officers responded to the home around 1 a.m. Saturday, following reports of a shooting. They arrived to find Williams suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to Memorial Regional Hospital, where he died.
According to the arrest report, Williams was on a FaceTime call with his girlfriend at the time of the shooting. She told investigators she heard someone accuse Williams of stealing, followed by a verbal argument and several gunshots.
The incident has left neighbors shaken in the typically quiet Hollywood community. While some residents noted they were aware that the home operated as a short-term rental, others expressed concerns about the property’s transient nature.
“That’s a bad idea to me to have an Airbnb in this neighborhood where so many people and kids live,” said neighbor Dorell Green. “Different types of people come and go. You don’t know who is coming or leaving.”
Ivette Santana, another resident, said her primary concern is the violence. “I don’t care about the Airbnb,” Santana said. “My problem is the shooting over there.”
Blount is being held without bond at the Broward County Jail.
CBS News Miami has contacted Airbnb to determine if the property remains in operation. We are also working to contact the property’s owners.
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