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.
The North Carolina Tar Heels will be a young program across the board next season, with well over two dozen freshmen and numerous additions from the transfer portal this offseason. Expectations for the 2026 season are lowered dramatically after a disastrous first season for head coach Bill Belichick, though those expectations could help the Tar Heels fly under the radar.
As the Tar Heels approach the end of spring ball, it is time to look at the veterans of the team—the ones who have the experience to lead, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Let’s look at three underrated seniors for the 2026 football season.
Ade Willie, Cornerback
Willie joins the Tar Heels program after four years with Michigan State, as the former 4-star player in the 2022 recruiting class gets an opportunity to not only provide depth to the secondary, but potentially start Week 0 against TCU.
Willie played in over 30 games with the Spartans and brings experience in the secondary at cornerback and safety, along with quality length and closing speed to the football. For a defense that needs players to step up, the redshirt senior from IMG Academy will be asked to do so.
Isaiah Johnson, Defensive Lineman
The defensive line is beginning to look like one of the Tar Heels’ strengths for the 2026 season. Johnson, a former transfer from Arizona, enters his redshirt senior year looking to add another year of production after 40 tackles and two sacks this past season.
North Carolina has an impressive group of starters with Malkart Abou-Jaoude, Leroy Jackson, and incoming transfer Jaylen Harvey. Johnson adds value to the group as a run defender with the ability to penetrate the pocket. While not discussed as a key player, Johnson’s name will be used plenty during the regular season as a potential standout for the program’s defensive front.
Coleman Bryson, Safety
Bryson was a reserve player for the Tar Heels’ secondary last season as a big nickel defender in the rotation. Heading into his redshirt senior year, the former Minnesota Gopher is looking to become a full-time starter in the secondary.
It wasn’t long ago when Bryson was making plays as the 2022 Pinstripe Bowl Defensive MVP. His special teams abilities were valuable for North Carolina last season, and he flashed at times in coverage against tight ends, including a pass breakup in the season-opener against TCU. The Waynesville, North Carolina, native could be a key defender on the back-seven in 2026.
Add us as a preferred source on GoogleFollow
Friends and family members gathered in Washington state on Saturday, remembering former Miss North Carolina Carrie Everett, who died on Easter Sunday. Another memorial service is planned in North Carolina next month.
Web Editor : Sydney Ross
Posted
Virginia 3, North Carolina 0 | First Quarter
Virginia 3, North Carolina 0 | Q1 8:19
After a faceoff win by Henry Metz, Brendan Millon finds Truitt Sunderland to give the Hoos a 3-0 lead. Timeout North Carolina.
Virginia 2, North Carolina 0 | Q1 9:00
Brendan Millon gets the scoring started for the Cavaliers with a question mark style goal. On the defensive end, Jake Marek opens the game with three early saves with his third save setting up a transition goal by Tommy Snyder.
Virginia vs North Carolina pregame notes
UVA owns a 59-33 advantage since the series began in 1938.
The 59 wins are UVA’s most against any opponent in program history (followed by 51 against Duke).
In Chapel Hill last year, the Tar Heels defeated the Cavaliers 18-9, snapping UVA’s six-game series win streak.
UVA has won nine of the last 11 meetings, dating back to 2018.
The Hoos have won the last two meetings with Carolina at Klöckner Stadium, 11-4 in 2022 and 14-6 in 2024.
The Tar Heels’ four goals in 2022 marked the fewest goals in a game under Joe Breschi, who was named UNC’s head coach in 2006.
The last time the Tar Heels knocked off the Cavaliers at Klöckner was a 16-13 decision during the first of three games between the two teams in 2021.
Later that year, UVA claimed back-to-back meetings against the Heels, including in the NCAA semifinals on the way to capturing the 2021 national title over Maryland.
Follow
-
Alabama4 minutes agoAlabama edge to pattern his game after 2-time Super Bowl Champ
-
Alaska10 minutes agoAlaska Senate committee advances draft capital budget, boosting funds for school maintenance
-
Arizona16 minutes agoPerson accused of making terroristic threats to medical facility in northern Arizona
-
Arkansas22 minutes agoCentral Arkansas council hands out 300 free produce bags at Saline County fresh market
-
California28 minutes agoCalifornia regulators kill charity fireworks for America’s 250th, sparking outrage
-
Colorado34 minutes agoOutgoing Colorado Buffaloes Sebastian Rancik, Bangot Dak Make Transfer Portal Moves
-
Connecticut40 minutes agoOne arrested after a multi-car crash in Naugatuck Saturday
-
Delaware46 minutes ago9 Most Scenic Drives in New Jersey