HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. – N.C. Baptist disaster relief volunteers are in western North Carolina preparing meals for firefighters who are battling a wildfire in Henderson County.

A team of 20 volunteers with N.C. Baptists on Mission set up feeding operations on Tuesday, Nov. 7, and have been preparing 200 meals at breakfast and supper each day since then that are being served to those battling the blaze.

Volunteers from the community are also preparing bagged lunches that are being delivered to those on front lines of the fire that was discovered Friday, Nov. 3. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

According to the N.C. Forest Service, the fire was at 434 acres and 30% contained as of the evening of Thursday, Nov. 9. Percent containment represents sections of the fire line that pose no escape risk without further action from firefighters.

One home, two cabins and two outbuildings have been destroyed by the fire, while another home sustained damage. Homes remain threatened along the fire imprint. N.C. Forest Service personnel, county fire department and sheriff’s office staff are continually assessing structure protection needs.

Two firefighters have sustained minor injuries and both were treated and released. One minor motor vehicle accident has been reported with no injuries.

The N.C. Baptist feeding team has set up operations in the parking lot of Fruitland Baptist Church in Hendersonville. The parking lot at Fruitland Baptist Bible College is also being used as a staging area for firefighters, first responders and the forestry service.

“It’s absolutely full of vehicles and people,” said Fruitland Baptist Bible College President David Horton. “It’s a great ministry opportunity, and we’re so thankful for Baptists on Mission for sending their feeding unit up to Fruitland. They’re going to be able to help with this in a tremendous way.”

Horton said the school has not sustained any damage from the fire.

Tom Beam, disaster relief coordinator with Baptists on Mission said he is thankful for the work of volunteers and various agencies who are working together.

“We’re thankful for our volunteers who are here preparing these meals, and we’re thankful for the volunteers from the community who are also helping out,” Beam said. “We’re also grateful for the different local and state agencies that we’re partnering with because it takes all of us to make this kind of work happen.”

The fire in Henderson County is one of several active wildfires that have been burning in western North Carolina since Oct. 25, along with others near the state line in Virginia.

The fires prompted Gov. Roy Cooper to declare a state of emergency due to existing and potential wildfires in the state. Government officials say the wildfires, along with severe and moderate drought conditions, could have a significant impact on public health, public safety, and to public and private property.