Crews Contain 650-Acre Wildfire at Crowders Mountain State Park
By: Lauren Ramsey
Gaston County, NC (WNN) — Firefighters have mostly contained a 650-acre wildfire that ignited on Sunday, December 8, at Crowders Mountain State Park. As of Monday, Gaston County Director of Emergency Management and Fire Services, Scott Hunter Sr., reports the fire is now 95% contained.
Multiple Agencies Coordinating Firefighting Efforts
The U.S. Forest Service, along with local agencies, has been actively fighting the fire since Sunday night. Crowders Mountain Fire & Rescue reported that additional personnel joined the effort Monday to help secure the fire lines. Firefighters used various tactics, including “back burning,” to control the spread of flames. Aided by overnight rain, conditions improved, and authorities said the fire was largely under control by Monday morning. “At this time, there’s no anticipation of the fire spreading outside the established lines,” officials stated.
Public Urged to Avoid Area, Stay Clear of Emergency Crews
Officials are advising the public to stay away from Crowders Mountain, particularly for sightseeing purposes, as increased traffic could disrupt ongoing firefighting efforts. Residents should drive cautiously in the area as fire crews work along the roadsides. Emergency operations continue, and crews focus on keeping the fire contained.
Controlled Burn Confusion; Cause of Fire Still Under Investigation
On Sunday evening, Gaston County Communications initially reported that the fire was a controlled burn, but Crowders Mountain Fire & Rescue later refuted that claim. At 10 p.m., they clarified that a scheduled burn had not gone wrong and caused the fire. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the wildfire. Firefighters will continue to monitor the situation closely throughout Monday.
Fire Originated Near Lake Montania on Gaston-Cleveland County Line
The wildfire is believed to have started near Lake Montania, located along the Gaston-Cleveland County line. In response, fire crews conducted controlled burns, or “back burning,” to help manage the uncontrolled flames. According to the Western Fire Chiefs Association, back burning is when firefighters set controlled small fires in front of a wildfire to burn up the fuel that could make the larger fire spread. This helps stop the wildfire by removing the fuel it needs to keep going.
Woman Killed in House Fire Near Gastonia; Firefighters and Police Rescue Four
In related news, A house fire near Gastonia claimed the life of a woman shortly before noon on Sunday. The fire broke out at a home in the 4400 block of Grier Street around 11:40 a.m. Police and firefighters arrived at the scene within minutes of the 911 call and were able to rescue four people from the house. Tragically, Sally Vernon, 77, died from injuries sustained in the fire.
One firefighter was treated for heat-related injuries at the scene, and a police officer involved in the rescue suffered minor burns but was also treated on-site. The fire was detected by a smoke detector, and the cause of the fire was later determined to be accidental. The fire caused an estimated $80,000 in damages.
The Crowders Mountain Fire Department responded to the fire, with assistance from New Hope, Union Road, Gastonia, Gaston Emergency Medical Services (GEMS), and Gaston County Police. The Gaston County Office of Emergency Management and Fire Services investigated the fire.
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