11/27/16 - Horton Fire - 9:00am Update

For a downloadable, printable version of this update, click here.

Night shift worked hard through the cold night checking for heat. Although hot spots were detected 300’ feet inside the fire perimeter, the outside edges are looking good. A lot of solid work has gone into containing the fire perimeter.  

Incident objectives today remain the same with a focus on safety for emergency responders and the public, while mitigating the threat of wind driven fire spread. Horton fire managers are still waiting to raise the containment percentage until the threat of wind gusts has passed. The potential for fire spread is high given the extremely dry conditions. Once fire managers can ensure the established fire lines will hold, they will reassess the 65% containment level. 

The fire is still approximately 1,450 acres. There are close to 115 personnel, representing nearly 25 agencies assigned to the Horton fire. Neighboring volunteer fire departments have been crucial in containment efforts, as well as those traveling across the country to lend a hand. 

The outpouring of support from the local community has also been outstanding. “We truly appreciate Laurel Fork Baptist Church and congregation for providing their church for our use, even cancelling their Sunday service. The support of this community is just incredible,” said Incident Commander Weeks. 

Smoke is affecting visibility this morning from Watson Road up to the Dugger Fire Tower Road. Please avoid this area, and Sampson Road south of the Blue Ridge Parkway, for the safety of local residents and our firefighters.  

There are no additional media briefings scheduled at this time. Follow us on Twitter @FireHorton and the HortonFire.blogspot.com for any further updates or changes. The media phone number is 828-201-2885

For a downloadable, printable version of the IR map, click here.

For a downloadable, printable version of this map, click here.