BLOWING ROCK, NC (November 22, 2016)…As of 4:00 PM the Horton Fire was 20% contained and approximately 700-800 acres. Further fire growth is expected within the containment lines within the next 24 hours.
The Horton Fire is located in the proximity of Sampson Road and Penley Drive in Watauga County.
There was moderate growth in the fire throughout the day but weather conditions are favorable for maintaining and increasing containment around the fire tonight.
Fire fighters made good progress building and strengthening containment lines throughout the day. Approximately 100 firefighters from 19 different agencies are now involved in the response effort.
There are no structures burned at this time and there are multiple fire engines assigned specifically for structure protection near the fire lines.
The Red Cross continues to have a shelter open at Alliance Bible Church. Pets can be taken to Watauga Humane Society.
As of 9am on Tuesday, November 22, 2016…The fire is threatening 55 homes. Watson Drive has been evacuated and residents on Dugger Fire Tower Road and Flat Mountain Road should prepare for imminent mandatory evacuations.
Members of the public who do not live in the Blue Ridge Mountain Club/Upper Sampson area are asked to not go sightseeing in this area. The traffic congestion from people trying to see the fire is hampering emergency operations.
Caldwell County Forest Ranger, Rust Dellinger, is the incident commander of the Horton Fire. Caldwell County EMS sent resources to assist including personnel and their mobile incident command unit. Caldwell County EMS personnel have been on the scene since Monday night when the fire started. Yadkin Valley Fire Department and Patterson Fire Department have also been on the scene since the fire started. Several area fire departments including Valmead Fire Department have been called in to assist as well. The Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office and the N.C. Forest Service Office in Caldwell County is also providing assistance.
The command and communications post is located at the Laurel Fork Baptist Church 235 Laurel Fork Church Rd, Boone, NC 28607.
A Twitter account has been set up to share information on the Horton Fire. Follow @FireHorton for updates.
Crews will continue to monitor the fire over night. Additional information will be shared in the morning when it is available.
From WBTV: Watauga wildfire, possibly deliberately set, could grow to 1,000 acres
From The Watauga Democrat: Horton Fire grows to 800 acres, 20% contained
Including Video below
