More than 14 fire departments were involved in battling a fire in Catawba County.

The fire at Ball’s Creek Campground started Sunday evening shortly after 9:30 causing numerous cabins to be destroyed.

A news release states the fire was brought under control at about 1:20 Monday morning.

Of the 295 cabins at the campground, the Catawba County Fire Marshal’s Office confirms that 40 cabins were destroyed, while 9 others sustained some level of damage.

No injuries were reported.

The total number of structures on the property is 303; including a commons area and bathrooms.

Because of the historic and religious significance of the campground, the news release states the investigation into the cause of the fire is being handled by a joint task force of local, state, and federal authorities.

Anyone having potential criminal information relating to the case should call the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office at 464-5241.

This is Fire Prevention Week – this year’s campaign entitled ‘Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape.’

This week’s observance recognizes the everyday people who encourage household members to develop and practice a home fire escape plan.

The campaign focuses on what a home escape plan entails and the value of practicing the plan.

Fire officials say a seemingly basic behavior such as practicing an escape can have a life-saving impact.

A home escape plan includes working smoke alarms on every level of the home.

It also entails two ways out of every room, usually a door and a window.

Plans should be practiced twice a year by all household members.

Officials further state that today’s homes burn faster than ever; with the synthetic fibers used in furnishings along with the fact that newer homes tend to be built with more open spaces and unprotected lightweight construction that have proved to be contributing factors to a quicker burn rate.

Sunday October 6^th, Icard Fire and Rescue along with Safe Kids of Burke County will be spreading awareness about the importance of fire safety at the Food Lion parking lot on US 70 in Hildebran from 12:30 until 4 pm.

There will be fire educational activities and handouts for the kids, and personnel available to perform car seat safety checks.

For information, contact Kimberly Scales Burke County Safe Kids Coordinator at 764-9219.

Beginning next year, NC drivers will be required to replace their license plates every seven years.

The requirement comes after Governor Cooper signed house bill 211 into law.

Drivers are currently able to keep tags as long as they hold up.

THE DMV says the new law will not cost customers any additional money.

The change takes effect July 1st and applies to plates issued or renewed afterwards.