Officials cite man in connection to Henderson County wildfire

EDNEYVILLE, N.C. (FOX Carolina) - The North Carolina Forest Service said a man from Florida has been cited in connection to a wildfire that has been burning in the Edneyville area since Nov. 3.

According to officials, 51-year-old Duff Swain of Maitland, Florida was cited and charged with North Carolina General Statute 14-140.1.

The Poplar Drive Fire spread on Nov. 3 in a wooded area near East Poplar Drive and Kyles Creek Road. Drought conditions and winds of up to 20 miles per hour caused the fire to burn 434 acres, threatening nearby homes.

Officials said as of Thursday, Nov. 16, the fire is now 98 percent contained.

A house, two cabins and three outbuildings have been destroyed and another home was damaged. Multiple firefighters have suffered minor injuries while trying to contain the fire.

In Wednesday’s update, officials said firefighters are working on continued fire line reinforcement, while also implementing any rehabilitation and repair needs from heavy equipment affecting the landscape.

More than a dozen agencies just in Henderson County have been involved in efforts to battle the wildfire, including emergency management, the sheriff’s office, rescue squad and county fire departments.

In total, at least 48 agencies and around 400 personnel from across the state have assisted.

At noon on Wednesday, officials said the State of Emergency for Henderson County will be cancelled. The cancellation of the State of Emergency does not affect the status of the local or state ban on open burning.

“Henderson County remains in a high danger level for wildfires, while the rain received late last week provided some relief we still have a considerable amount of risk resulting from any open burning,” said Fire Marshal Kevin Waldrup.

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