Governor McCrory Hails Efforts to Contain Party Rock Fire and Support Crews in Tennessee | Eastern North Carolina Now

Press Release:

    Raleigh, N.C.     Governor Pat McCrory is thanking firefighters and emergency management officials for containing the Party Rock Fire which burned more than 7,100 acres and threatened Lake Lure, Chimney Rock and other communities in Rutherford and Henderson counties. As progress is being made fighting wildfires in North Carolina, Governor McCrory has reached out to Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam to offer support to crews battling fires there.

    "I want to thank firefighters and emergency management crews from throughout the state and the nation who have helped contain and are still battling wildfires across western North Carolina," said Governor McCrory. "We will continue to support efforts to protect people and property and contain fires in our state, as well as help our neighbors in Tennessee facing extremely difficult conditions at this point in time."

    While outdoor burning remains banned in 47 western counties, fire officials will reevaluate its necessity as much-needed rain moves through the region this week. This rain helped crews contain the Party Rock Fire, which was responsible for an estimated cost of $7.65 million. Additional expected rain will help crews fight other wildfires throughout the region, allowing North Carolina to offer resources to Tennessee.

    Wildfires have closed U.S. 441 from the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains Park in North Carolina to Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

    Governor McCrory is reminding citizens that despite rain forecasted for portions of western North Carolina over the coming days, the threat for fires remains high as dry conditions will return after rain moves through the region.

    Crews in North Carolina continue to monitor wildfires in Burke, Clay, Graham, Macon, McDowell, Transylvania and Watauga counties.

• Contact: McCrory Communications
•     govpress@nc.gov