The 150-acre fire started after a tree fell on a power line on Bat Cave Road in Old Fort, an area already recovering from Helene.

A second wildfire has erupted in western North Carolina's McDowell County, an area that was ravaged by Hurricane Helene just four months ago, nearly to the day, officials said.

Evacuations were ordered after a wildfire ignited in McDowell County, western North Carolina, on Wednesday, . This is the same area that was hit hard by Hurricane Helene in the fall.

The McDowell County Office of Emergency Management issued an evacuation order for residents between between 3000-4500 Bat Cave Road, Pine Cove Road, Juliet Drive, Roy Moore Road and all side roads on Jan.

The fire is happening while Western North Carolina is under an increased fire danger warning due to gusty winds, making it more difficult to contain.

Despite the monumental deluge Helene dumped on the region in late September and the catastrophic flooding, officials have warned about elevated wildfire risks.

McDowell County Emergency Management said that the wildfire in Old Fort is currently 15% contained, but evacuation orders remain in place. The wildfire, burning in the Crooked Creek community, is estimated to cover 250 acres.

Now is the time for North Carolinians to act on wildfire mitigation practices and Firewise principles. By taking appropriate action, residents can help protect their homes and communities

McDowell County residents are back home Thursday morning after a wildfire forced an evacuation the day before.

The evacuation orders given by the McDowell County Office of Emergency Management were lifted Jan. 30 after an 'out of control' wildfire burned 250 acres.

An outside fire has been reported on Bat Cave Road in Old Fort after a tree fell on a power line, local authorities said.