Crooked Creek Fire Department

04/11/2026

Due to dry conditions and lack of rainfall, the state-issued burn ban remains in effect statewide. Outdoor burning is prohibited but isn’t the only ignition source for wildfire, especially in high-risk conditions.

Farm equipment and machine use can also start wildfires. While working outdoors, be mindful of your equipment, and watch for sparks!

Check for and fix fire hazards before operating farm equipment or machines.
👉Remove any buildup of crop residue around the engine, exhaust system, belts and chains.
👉Repair damaged exhaust system components, worn or frayed drive belts, broken or exposed electrical wiring, worn or misaligned moving parts which can indicate a lack of lubricant, and signs of leaking fluids, oil and fuel.
👉For portable, gasoline-powered equipment, make sure you have a properly functioning spark arrester installed.

For prevention tips and risk reduction measures you can take, visit www.preventwildfirenc.org.

04/08/2026

🔥High Fire Danger🔥

Low humidity and strong winds are expected, creating high fire danger! The statewide burn ban remains in effect which means:

🍃 No burning yard debris
🏕️ No campfires
🎆 No fireworks

For more info on how you can be prepared for wildfire season, visit ReadyNC.Gov/Wildfire

04/06/2026

Due to increased wildfire risk, the N.C. Forest Service has issued a ban on all open burning and has canceled all burning permits statewide effective 6 p.m. Saturday, March 28 until further notice.

Under North Carolina law, the ban prohibits all open burning in the affected counties, regardless of whether a permit was previously issued. The issuance of any new permits has also been suspended until the ban is lifted. Anyone violating the burn ban faces a $100 fine plus $183 court costs. Any person responsible for setting a fire may be liable for any expenses related to extinguishing the fire.

The burn ban does not apply to fires started within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. The local fire marshal has authority to issue a burn ban within those 100 feet.

Read news release: https://www.ncagr.gov/news/press-releases/2026/03/28/statewide-burn-ban-issued-north-carolina-due-hazardous-forest-fire-conditions

03/28/2026

Effective Saturday, March 28 at 8 a.m., the National Weather Service has issued a ** 🚩🚩RED FLAG WARNING🚩🚩** for some North Carolina counties. For counties that aren’t under a red flag, fire danger is still critical. Review weather alerts for North Carolina at weather.gov.

A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures will create dangerous fire behavior.

While open burning is permitted during a red flag, it is NOT advised. Please postpone ALL outdoor burning. If there was ever a time to show you can follow instructions the first time they are given, it’s now.

Careless debris burning is the leading cause of wildfires in North Carolina, and you are our best defense against wildfire. For wildfire readiness and prevention tips: preventwildfirenc.org

03/22/2026

01/23/2026

The National Weather Service has issued an Ice Storm Warning for McDowell County beginning 1:00 PM Saturday through 1:00PM Monday. The current forecast calls for damaging amounts of freezing rain and ...

01/23/2026

When you see the winter forecast, don't just look at the snowfall, look at the ice. A tiny shift in temperature or moisture can change everything.

0.10" ice = slick roadways and sidewalks to get.
0.25" ice = turns roads into ice rinks and tree limbs begin to sag.
0.50" ice = causes significant power outages and very dangerous travel conditions.

A fraction of an inch makes a world of difference. Stay weather-aware and stay safe! Visit ReadyNC.gov/winter-weather for more tips.

01/23/2026

ICE STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM SATURDAY TO 7 AM EST MONDAY... * WHAT...Significant icing, including compacted sleet and snow, expected. Total snow and sleet accumulations between 1 and ...

01/23/2026

Time Extended - Ice Storm Warning. Significant icing is expected across the northern mountains and northwest Piedmont of North Carolina, particularly near and north of Interstate 40. From 1 PM Saturday to 1 PM Monday, expect total snow and sleet accumulations of 1 to 3 inches, with ice accumulations between half an inch and three-quarters of an inch. Winds may gust up to 35 mph. Roadways will be treacherous, leading to potential power outages lasting several days. Prepare for hazardous conditions, especially during the Monday morning commute.

Visit www.foothillsweather.net for additional weather information

12/31/2025

Fire danger is elevated across most of the state today. Outdoor burning is NOT recommended. Dry grasses, dead leaves and other vegetative debris could easily ignite and spread quickly.

Spread prevention, not wildfire.

Before burning, contact your local N.C. Forest Service county ranger’s office for guidance. Contacts: https://bit.ly/3lpoWR0

For safe outdoor burning and wildfire prevention best practices: www.preventwildfirenc.org.