Woodland fire closes Catawba County park
Bakers Mountain Park in southwestern Catawba County was closed this week after a woodland fire burned at least 40 acres across rugged terrain, emergency officials said.
About 150 firefighters have battled the blaze since it started Monday afternoon, said Karyn Yaussy, Catawba County Emergency management coordinator.
No homes have been damaged, but residents who have asthma, chronic bronchitis and other respiratory conditions are advised to stay indoors with windows and doors closed and air-conditioners on.
Firefighters continued to put out the fire Wednesday morning, Catawba County Parks Manager Blair Rayfield told the Observer. The park is normally closed Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and officials hope to reopen it on Friday, Rayfield said.
At 1,780 feet, the park is on the highest elevation point in Catawba County. The park features 189 acres of mature chestnut oak forest and nearly 6 miles of hiking trails.
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This story was originally published July 1, 2015 at 7:14 AM with the headline "Woodland fire closes Catawba County park."