Governor Pat McCrory is applauding the bravery and courageous efforts by firefighters to protect homes and turn the tide of the Party Rock Fire, despite high winds and continued dry conditions.
“The more than 900 firefighters from across the country that have assembled in North Carolina to fight these dangerous fires are true heroes,” said Governor McCrory. “Their courageous efforts over the weekend helped turn the corner in fighting the Party Rock fire, saving lives and property. We owe them a debt of gratitude for their outstanding service.”
Over the weekend, western North Carolina experienced wind gusts of up to 45 miles per hour and continued dry conditions. The firefighters built a containment line near the Henderson-Rutherford County line clearing all combustible material forming a barrier to keep the fire from growing. Firefighters worked tirelessly the hold the line and as a result, all structures were protected and containment of the fire increased to 45 percent.
At noon today, the public was allowed to return to Chimney Rock Village and the pre-evacuation notice issued this weekend for areas Northeast, East and Southeast of the fire was cancelled.
Several roads have also reopened. The main route to and through Chimney Rock Village and Lake Lure is now available to all motorists, as U.S. 64/74A opened at noon today. The eight-mile stretch of the highway between Bat Cave and N.C. 9 closed on Friday, November 11, because of safety concerns from wildfires. Today’s opening, as well as the opening of N.C. 9 near Bat Cave over the weekend, means traffic has resumed standard patterns on roads which had been closed due to the Party Rock Fire in Henderson and McDowell counties.
Commercial vehicles delivering food and other supplies were allowed through the area early this morning, and school busses also resumed their normal routes.
Despite the improvements, dangers still exist in the area including burned trees, smoldering stumps and cured trees which could fall. Motorists are reminded to use extreme caution through the area, follow posted signs, and remain alert for all hazards including emergency vehicles and personnel.
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