CEDAR MOUNTAIN NEWS FOR THURSDAY 3-27-25

REGARDING THE FIRES IN UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA

Matthew C. Owen, Fire Chief

Connestee Fire Rescue Inc.”

3-25-25

I want to preface this update by saying there is no reason to panic. Everything in this update is out of an abundance of caution and preparation and NOT impending danger.

North Carolina Forest Service Officials met with SCFC Officials this morning, and I have also been in contact with the Incident Management Team.

Right now, there is no immediate threat in North Carolina from the Table Rock Fire; however, there is growing concern. SCFC will begin improving fire lines along the state line today, and NCFS has been working to improve those lines as well. These lines were put into place during the Pinnacle Fire in 2016.

We will also be working to notify residents who would be in the path of this fire should it actually make it to NC. Additionally we will begin prep work when deemed necessary.

What can you do?

The answer is simple: make your house as defensible as possible, blow leaves away from your house, vehicles, and outbuildings also make sure leaves are blown out of your gutters and off of your roof. I would encourage all residents to do this and keep your home like this because you never know when or where a wildfire can occur.

The firefight they are facing in SC is compounded by the many tree blow down areas caused by Hurricane Helene.

The chances of the fire reaching NC are low to moderate and it would likely be a few days before this fire reaches NC if it does in fact make it here.

I want to reiterate that right now there is no reason to panic, however we do want everyone to be prepared should that happen.

We will continue to provide updates as soon as possible, as this is an evolving situation.

BREAD OF LIFE MEALS

The Bread of Life will be distributing full meal kits to go at Studio 276 / Cedar Mountain Moonshine in Cedar Mountain. The meals are free to anyone, and no questions will be asked.  We have two sizes depending on your needs: small kits for a minimum of 2 individuals and large kits for a minimum of 4 individuals. The meal kits include pre-cooked protein, frozen and canned veggies, and uncooked starch.  If anyone needs a meal, we are here for the community. The next distribution will be April 3 from 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. and the first Thursday of each month thereafter.

AROUND THE HOUSE by Linda Packer Young

I had an appt in Easley, SC Tuesday which made it necessary to pass the forest fire areas.  The Forest Service people were everywhere along Geer Hwy (276).  There was little smoke in the air by the time we got to Easley because the smoke was blowing toward NC.

If you are worried about the possible need to evacuate, decide now what you can't leave behind such as legal papers, computers, medical records, medicines, photo albums... Pack a suitcase(s) with minimum but necessary clothing, make arrangements for pets or take them with you.

As I prepared to send this, I received a call that Cliff Ridge in SC may need to evacuate.  I fervently hope that isn’t necessary. 

Note:  The deadline to submit articles for the Cedar Mountain News is Monday night.  If your contribution will be later than that you need to let me know.  Email cedarmountainnews@gmail.com with all news.  Photos are welcome and need to be 900kb or more to be used in the paper.