MCDOWELL COUNTY, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The size and containment have increased in the Bee Rock Creek Fire.

The U.S. Forest Service on Thursday morning said the fire had grown to about 504 acres and was 10 percent contained. The Bee Rock Creek Fire is burning through steep terrain and heavy storm debris in McDowell County near the Armstrong Fish Hatchery.

Crews (about 180 personnel) from the USDA Forest Service, along with the North Carolina Forest Service, McDowell County and Woodlawn Fire Department, are working the fire.

Firefighters are using direct and indirect suppression tactics along the fire’s edge, the USFS said. Helicopters are dropping water to slow the fire’s progress.

On Wednesday, crews put out a spot fire that crossed Rose’s Creek on the east side of the fire.

McDowell County has issued evacuation orders on Wild Acre Road off NC 226A.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Please be aware of smoke and crews in the area. Drive slowly and use caution on any roads where smoke may be settling.

For more information on smoke and air quality, check the N.C. Dept of Environmental Quality website or the Air Now Fire and Smoke Map.

Click here to view McDowell County’s live evacuation map.