High temperatures warmed quickly in response to the dry and downsloping wind in the Foothills and the Piedmont Triad. Gusty winds will keep temperatures above normal through Thursday and increase the risk of rapidly spreading wildfires.

The 150-acre fire started after a tree fell on a power line on Bat Cave Road in Old Fort, an area already recovering from Helene.

An “out of control” wildfire has prompted an evacuation order Wednesday for residents in the Crooked Creek community near Bat Cave Road south of Old Fort.

The McDowell County Office of Emergency Management issued an evacuation order for residents between between 3000-4500 Bat Cave Road, Pine Cove Road, Juliet Drive, Roy Moore Road and all side roads on Jan.

MCDOWELL COUNTY, N.C. – At least two wildfires have broken out near towns that were devastated by Hurricane Helene. Evacuations are in place for people living along several roads in Old Fort, North Carolina, due to a fire known as the Crooked Creek Fire.

The N.C. Forest Service is warning North Carolinians to be prepared for wildfires and take the necessary steps to help prevent any natural disasters.

Despite the monumental deluge Helene dumped on the region in late September and the catastrophic flooding, officials have warned about elevated wildfire risks.

The fire broke out on Wednesday in Old Fort, North Carolina, which was one of the North Carolina towns hardest hit by Hurricane Helene when the storm made landfall in September.

OLD FORT, N.C. (WTVD) -- A wildfire in western North Carolina has prompted evacuations for some residents in McDowell County. According to authorities, the fire, which is currently 0% contained, was started after a tree fell on a power line.

The White House is rescinding its memo that called for a freeze on federal grants and loans. First responders in McDowell County are asking people to evacuate because of a wildfire that's out of control.

McDowell County Emergency Management said that the wildfire in Old Fort is currently 15% contained, but evacuation orders remain in place. The wildfire, burning in the Crooked Creek community, is estimated to cover 250 acres.