Horton Wildfire (near Blowing Rock) Friday, November 25, 2016 7:30pm Update

WATAUGA COUNTY, NC (November 25, 2016)…As of 7:30 p.m., the Horton Fire remains at 65% contained and is approximately 1,450 acres.  There are approximately 125 personnel representing approximately 25 agencies assigned to the Horton Fire. Fire personnel have responded from as far away as New Jersey, Florida, Arizona, Idaho and Montana. The transition to Kevin Weeks’ Type 3 North Idaho Incident Management went smoothly. “The local fire leadership and firefighters have done an outstanding job here, and the community support has been incredible,” said Incident Commander Weeks.

Incident objectives are focused on providing for firefighter and public safety, while protecting homes within and near the fire area. Wind gusts up to 30 mph are expected through the weekend. Fire managers are actively preparing for the wind. Areas of concern are hotspots flaring up along the north end of the fire and the southeast end. Crews are mopping up those areas and monitoring them closely. Firefighters are patrolling the fire area through the night.

Smoke is expected to settle through the evening and early morning, significantly affecting visibility from Watson Road up to the Dugger Fire Tower Road. The public is asked to avoid this area and Sampson Road south of the Blue Ridge Parkway to provide for the safety of firefighters and local residents.

The Watauga County community has provided a phenomenal amount of donations for the firefighters. We are asking that anyone wishing to donate any food or supplies to please consider a cash donation to the Red Cross instead.

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.

 

 

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Past Horton Wildfire News…

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:
https://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