WATAUGA COUNTY, NC (November 25, 2016)…Command of the fire transitioned to Rodney Weeks’ Type 3 North Idaho Incident Management Team at 7:00 a.m. This transition provides a much needed break for local fire management and allows them to be available for any new fire starts.
The Horton Fire remains at 65% contained and is approximately 1,408 acres. Firefighters provided fire patrols throughout the night. Hot spots were detected south of the Reynolds Parkway on the north end of the fire. Crews are mopping up that area and monitoring it closely. Smoke is significantly affecting visibility from Watson Road up to the Dugger Fire Tower Road. This smoke is generated from fuels burning inside the fire area.
Wind gusts up to 30 mph are expected tonight through the weekend prompting a weather watch warning for the Horton Fire area. Fire managers are actively preparing for this wind event. Crews are mopping up hot spots and falling hazardous snags.
There are a number of homes within the area. Crews are maintaining structure protection. Sampson Road remains closed to the public at State View Road. The public is asked to avoid the Sampson Road area south of the Blue Ridge Parkway to provide safety for firefighters and local residents.
Local residents delivered traditional Thanksgiving meals to the firefighters yesterday afternoon and last night. Firefighters have felt very honored to serve this community and are very humbled by the hospitality shown by its residents.
Stay tuned to @FireHorton on twitter and the HortonFire.blogspot.com for any further updates or changes.
Past Horton Wildfire News…
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
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