BLOWING ROCK, NC (November 23, 2016)…As of 8:30 AM the Horton Fire remains at 20% contained and approximately 700-800 acres. The fire is expected to grow to approximately 1500 acres through the day but that growth remains inside the identified containment areas. Over 50 firefighters remained on the fire overnight to strengthen containment lines and to ensure protection for homes in the area.
There are no structures burned at this time and there are multiple fire crews assigned specifically for structure protection. There are a number of homes within the fire perimeter and approximately 55 homes threatened in the area of the fire. Yesterday and overnight burnout operations were safely completed around homes within the fire area. Crews will continue to use this strategy today to safely remove fuel around homes.
There are no new mandatory evacuations. Watson Drive remains under a mandatory evacuation order. The Red Cross continues to have a shelter open at Alliance Bible Church. No residents stayed at the shelter overnight. Evacuated homeowners may take pets to the Watauga Humane Society.
Members of the public who do not live in the area are asked to avoid the area of Sampson Road south of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Sampson road remains closed to the public at State View Road.
Firefighters will continue to work towards containment of the fire throughout the day. Updates will be shared at www.hortonfire.blogspot.com throughout the day and on Twitter at @FireHorton and on the Watauga County Emergency Management Facebook page.
An interactive map showing the approximate fire location is available on the Horton Fire blog.
For updates on wildfires burning in North Carolina and helpful information on air quality, fire bans and donations visit http://ncjic.blogspot.com/
Horton Fire Public Information phone number: 828-201-2885
A media briefing is scheduled for Wednesday, November 23, 2016 at 2:00 PM at the Horton Fire Incident Command Post located at Laurel Fork Church, 235 Laurel Fork Church Rd, Boone, NC 28607. The Incident Commander will provide an update on fire conditions and activity.
Past Horton Fire News…
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