Horton Wildfire Threatening Homes Near Blowing Rock
WATAGUA COUNTY – Watagua County is under a State of Emergency because of a wildfire in the eastern part of the county. The Horton Wildfire is threatening 55 homes east of Blowing Rock.
The wildfire has now burned nearly 800 acres and is expected to continue to grow overnight.
Firefighters are stayed on the front lines Tuesday night, trying to keep the flames from crossing containment lines.
The fire sparked late Monday night near Sampson and Penley Road.
The fire is burning in steep, heavily wooded areas. Weather conditions have been good, but the fire is still expected to grow.
Officials say 55 homes are in the danger zone. There are mandatory evacuations for those closest.. others are being told to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.
Around 100 firefighters from 19 different agencies are working in the area.
Still no word though how the fire started.
“There are social media rumors out there saying the first might be intentionally set. The Sheriff of Watagua County says there are no investigations into the fire being intentionally set at this time,” says Public Information Officer Nathan Hunerwadel.
