The Chestnut Knob Fire at South Mountains State Park has grown to an estimated 5,689 acres with an extimated 30% containment. There are 214 personnel are the scene. The Florida "Green" Incident Management Team will be hosting a public meeting tonight at 7 at the Enola Fire Department, 2510 Enola Road, Morganton. The meeting is for communities affected by the Chestnut Knob wildfire. The community is encouraged to attend to receive information and ask questions.
There is also a Community Prayer Service for those affected by the Chestnut Knob fire today at 5:30 on the lawn of the Old Burke County Courthouse. You are invited to come pray for rain, protection of life and property, and to show support for the firefighters. Donation of items will be collected, but not necessary.

Three Morganton residents face drug charges. Burke County Sheriff's deputies arrested the suspects at a Salem area residence. 36-year-old Austin Charles Davis was charged at his Pete Brittain Road home Tuesday with felony possession of a schedule 1 substance, 2 counts of possession of s schedule 6 controlled substance, and 2 counts of possession of drug paraphernalia. Davis was placed in the Burke Catawba Confinement facility under a $20,000 secured bond. Meanwhile, 33-year-old Devin Levi Johnson and 27-year-old Victoria Eden Hennessee, both of Powerhouse Road, were each arrested on misdemeanor drug charges.

A Burke County man arrested on outstanding felony warrants issued by Caldwell County. Burke County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Division detectives were contacted to assist after learning that Caldwell County had numerous vehicles stolen last week. The suspect, 38-year-old Brandon Shawn Pendley was arrested at his residence on McDowell Church Road. Bond was set at $35,000 secured. Burke detectives are currently investigating several crimes thoughout the county in connection to Pendley. Additional charges and arrests are pending as the investigation continues.