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Some of Bladen County’s fire crews are working diligently to protect structures in western North Carolina. White Lake Fire Chief Dale Brennan said the crews traveled from Bladen County on Saturday and drove all through the day.
Brennan said, since arriving in Chimney Rock, firefighters have spent the first two nights assigned to the night shift and have worked tirelessly to protect structures around the village of Chimney Rock. Brennan said on Monday night, they were assigned to work the area near Bat Cave again providing protection to the structures in their assigned location.
Brennan said 13 firefighters from Bladen County and one firefighter from Roseboro made the trip. They also have with them two apparatus from Bladenboro, one apparatus from White Lake, one apparatus from Elizabethtown, and one apparatus from Clarkton. Also, Bladen County Emergency Management Director Bradley Kinlaw has also joined the firefighters and delivered a 40-foot emergency management trailer for the firefighters to use to store supplies.
Brennan said, “The people up here are very appreciative of the help.”
The NC Forest Service reports that as of 4:10 p.m. on Tuesday, the Party Rock Fire has now grown to 4,480 acres in size and is only 19 percent contained. The NC Forest service reported that 323 personnel were working this fire. A strong cold front is forecast to pass through area beginning on Thursday and bringing with it strong winds but little chance for rain. According to the North Carolina Forest Service, strong winds could push the flames to the northeast.
Fire crews have helped Bladen County now we are returning the favor
Brennan said that during the Simmons Road Fire, fire crews came from all over the state traveled to Bladen County to assist local firefighters and he said during Hurricane Matthew, fire crews from all over the state again came to help Bladen County firefighters.
On Tuesday afternoon, Kelly Fire Chief Kenny Thornton had arrived with supplies for the firefighters.