A tree that fell on a power line in Old Fort, North Carolina, caused a 250-acre wildfire Wednesday, leading to temporary evacuations and damage to some structures.

The tree fell at around 12:15 p.m., the McDowell County Office of Emergency Management said in an alert. Officials warned in an earlier message of an increased risk of fire due to humidity levels of 20%-30%, winds of 25-25 mph and dry kindling.

Over the course of the day, the blaze, named the Crooked Creek fire, grew to encompass the 250 acres. By 6:55 a.m. Thursday, the fire was 55% contained, MCOEM officials said in a subsequent alert, with one home damaged and several outbuildings destroyed. No injuries or fatalities were reported.

“As soon as I left, I saw the smoke coming out and a lot of colors with it and stuff. And I said, ‘That’s not good.’ The wind was blowing so hard and the power was already out in the house,” evacuee David Riggi told Charlotte’s WCCB.

The evacuation order for area residents was lifted at 8 a.m. Thursday.

Old Fort and nearby communities are just months removed from Hurricane Helene. There were 47 homes and buildings in Old Fort destroyed by the storm, with 36 others damaged, according to Asheville’s Citizen-Times.

• Brad Matthews can be reached at bmatthews@washingtontimes.com.