The Chestnut Knob fire at South Mountains State park was estimated at 6,433 acres at 7pm Sunday, according to the Forest Service. The estimated containment was 45%. If any residents are in need of shelter due to the effects of the fire, please call 764-7146. Shelters are available and will open depending on need.
Two McDowell County fires began Sunday. the Clear Creek fire in Pleasant Garden is estimated at 150 acres. No evacuations have been necessary. The U.S.Forest Service has taken control of the Piney Mountain fire off Curtis Creek in Old Fort, with an estimated 56 acres. No evacuations at this point.
The Party Rock fire at Lake Luke is estimated at 7,171 acres with 40% containment. No new evacuation warnings have been issued, but residents near the fire are asked to remain vigilant.

Burke County educates its' citizens how to register for public notifications. Citizens who wish to receive notifications regarding potential evacuations due to the area's wildfire can register their mobile phones by visiting the county's website - www.burkenc.org. Hyper-Reach, Burke's reverse 911 system can be accessed by clicking on the appropriate link in the scrolling banner at the top of the page. Or those interested can visit the Emergency Communications page under the department's tab for the correct link. Should a citizen have an existing landline in the home, that number is already registered with the system, unless the resident has requested it removed previously. Cell phones can be registered by texting "burkealerts" to 828-201-3877.

Burke County Public Schools Superintendent Dr.Larry Putnam was recognized Thursday night in Greensboro, as the 2017 Northwest Regional Education Service Alliance Superintendent of the Year. The recognition came at the NC School Boards Association Annual Conference. Also, the School Board Association recognized Burke County Board of Education Member Buddy Armour with the School Board Leadership Award. Armour has spent 20 years on the board of education.

The City of Morganton and other water providers in the Catawba-Wateree River Basin are calling on customers to voluntarily reduce their water use as much as possible. The Catawba River Basin is currently in Stage 1 Drought. The Stage 1 Goal is to reduce water use by 3-5%. City customers are asked to limit irrigation to twice a week, and to reduce vehicle washing.