Wolf Creek – Dry, breezy conditions over the last week kept firefighters busy in western Cherokee County.
A wildfire burned 24 acres in the Oakwood Estates area between Johnsonville Road and U.S. 64 West on Sunday. Numerous fire departments responded to the blaze, including the N.C. Forest Service and Wolf Creek Volunteer Fire Department.
The fire started early Sunday morning. Rain helped keep the fire from spreading following a week of warm weather, breezy conditions and low humidity.
Ed Figueroa, a resident in the area, said he awoke to the blaze approaching from his back yard at 5 a.m. and was able to save three structures using his garden hose.
“This past Sunday morning, waking up to a ridge line ablaze was a devastating sight,” Figueroa wrote to the Cherokee Scout. “But thanks to the swift and admirable response from our western volunteer fire and rescue first responders – volunteers and all – a potentially tragic situation was brought under control. Through their efforts, they managed to save over eight structures from the fire.
“The commitment of each volunteer involved was nothing short of remarkable,” he added. “Our community is incredibly fortunate to have such dedicated individuals who willingly sacrifice their time to protect and serve their fellow citizens. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all who took part in this extraordinary effort. May we all continue to support these volunteers in their vital work, today and in all future endeavors.”
On Election Day, firefighters and utility linesmen responded to a roadside fire that knocked out power to much of western Cherokee County while voting was in progress. The fire occurred around 3 p.m. Nov. 5 off of U.S. 64 West, just west of Ringtail Run.
No structures were threatened, but the fire scorched a small area of acreage and damaged utility lines, affecting power to parts of western Cherokee County. Workers from Blue Ridge Mountain Electric Membership Corp. quickly restored power to the area, including precincts where Election Day voting was underway.
The fire occurred at the same time numerous fire departments were at Foster’s Flea Market on Blairsville Highway, fighting a blaze that destroyed a building and its contents.
The U.S. 64 West fire drew firefighters from Wolf Creek, Copper Basin and Culberson. One lane of westbound U.S. 64 was blocked during the incident.