WATAUGA COUNTY, NC (November 27, 2016)…Night shift worked hard through the cold night checking for heat. Although hot spots were detected 300’ feet inside the fire perimeter, the outside edges are looking good. A lot of solid work has gone into containing the fire perimeter.
Incident objectives today remain the same with a focus on safety for emergency responders and the public, while mitigating the threat of wind driven fire spread. Horton fire managers are still waiting to raise the containment percentage until the threat of wind gusts has passed. The potential for fire spread is high given the extremely dry conditions. Once fire managers can ensure the established fire lines will hold, they will reassess the 65% containment level.
The fire is still approximately 1,450 acres. There are close to 115 personnel, representing nearly 25 agencies assigned to the Horton fire. Neighboring volunteer fire departments have been crucial in containment efforts, as well as those traveling across the country to lend a hand.
The outpouring of support from the local community has also been outstanding. “We truly appreciate Laurel Fork Baptist Church and congregation for providing their church for our use, even cancelling their Sunday service. The support of this community is just incredible,” said Incident Commander Weeks.
Smoke is affecting visibility this morning from Watson Road up to the Dugger Fire Tower Road. Please avoid this area, and Sampson Road south of the Blue Ridge Parkway, for the safety of local residents and our firefighters.
There are no additional media briefings scheduled at this time. Follow us on Twitter @FireHorton and the HortonFire.blogspot.com for any further updates or changes.
Past Horton Wildfire News…
From the Caldwell Journal on 11-27-2016:
Horton Wildfire (near Blowing Rock) Saturday, November 26, 2016 7pm Update
From the Caldwell Journal on 11-26-2016:
Horton Wildfire (near Blowing Rock) Saturday, November 26, 2016 8:30am Update
From the Caldwell Journal on 11-25-2016:
Horton Wildfire (near Blowing Rock) Friday, November 25, 2016 7:30pm Update
From the Watauga Democrat on 11-25-2016:
Sampson blaze at 1,400 acres; firefighters prep for increased winds
From the Caldwell Journal on Thursday, November 25, 2016:
Horton Wildfire (near Blowing Rock) Friday, November 25, 2016 9am Update
From the Caldwell Journal on Thursday, November 24, 2016:
Remarkable Thanksgiving Feast for Firefighters at the Horton Wildfire (near Blowing Rock)
From the Caldwell Journal on Thursday, November 24, 2016:
Horton Wildfire (near Blowing Rock) Thursday, November 24, 2016 9am Update
From the Caldwell Journal on Wednesday, November 23, 2016:
Horton Wildfire (near Blowing Rock) Wednesday, November 23, 2016 2pm Update
From the Caldwell Journal on 11-23-2016:
Horton Wildfire (near Blowing Rock) Wednesday, November 23, 2016 8:30am Update
From N.C. Emergency Management on 11-22-2016:
www.flickr.com/photos/ncdps/sets/72157676888623606/with/30377266794/
From the Caldwell Journal on 11-22-2016:
Horton Fire (near Blowing Rock) Update 11/22/16…Photos Included
From WBTV on 11-22-2016:
Watauga wildfire, possibly deliberately set, could grow to 1,000 acres
From the Watauga Democrat on 11-22-2016:
Horton Fire grows to 800 acres, 20% contained…Including Video below