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Pogue Mountain fire 30% contained, Pilot Mountain fire 80% contained, officials say

The Pogue Mountain fire is around 30% contained, but firefighters working in treacherous terrain have a long way to go.

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WYFF News
MCDOWELL COUNTY, N.C. — The North Carolina Forest Service released new information Wednesday afternoon about the wildfire in McDowell County, WYFF reports.

The Pogue Mountain fire south of Nebo broke out on Pogue Mountain Tuesday afternoon, said Adriene Jones, deputy director of emergency services.

Jones said about 110 acres have burned across the mountain so far. She said officials estimate the fire is 30 percent contained, but crews have a long way to go.

"Crews on scene continue to work in treacherous terrain to place containment lines around the fire," Jones said in a release. "The dry, windy conditions continue to complicate containment, especially given the terrain."

As of Wednesday afternoon, the Pilot Mountain State Park fire was sitting at just over 1,000 acres burned, WFMY reported. The state has said the fire on Pilot Mountain is around 1,100 acres in size and 80 percent contained. That fire was started by a campfire, the Forest Service said.

Work has begun to protect structures in the area, but no homes have been damaged.

A statewide burn ban is in effect. Anyone who sees outdoor burning should call 911 to report to officials.