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For
Immediate Release
Watauga County, NC (November 23, 2016 – 9:00 AM)
As of 8:30 AM the Horton Fire remains at 20% contained
and approximately 700-800 acres. The fire is expected to grow to approximately
1500 acres through the day but that growth remains inside the identified
containment areas. Over 50 firefighters remained on the fire overnight to strengthen
containment lines and to ensure protection for homes in the area.
There are no structures burned at this time and there
are multiple fire crews assigned specifically for structure protection. There are a number of homes within the fire
perimeter and approximately 55 homes threatened in the area of the fire.
Yesterday and overnight burnout operations were safely completed around homes
within the fire area. Crews will continue to use this strategy today to safely
remove fuel around homes.
There are no new mandatory evacuations. Watson Drive
remains under a mandatory evacuation order. The Red Cross continues to have a
shelter open at Alliance Bible Church. No residents stayed at the shelter
overnight. Evacuated homeowners may take pets to the Watauga Humane Society.
Members of the public who do not live in the area are
asked to avoid the area of Sampson Road south of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Sampson road remains closed to the public at State View Road.
Firefighters will continue to work towards containment
of the fire throughout the day. Updates will be shared at www.hortonfire.blogspot.com
throughout the day and on Twitter at @FireHorton
and on the Watauga
County Emergency Management Facebook page.
For updates on wildfires burning in North Carolina and
helpful information on air quality, fire bans and donations visit http://ncjic.blogspot.com/
Horton Fire Public Information phone number:
828-201-2885
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