UPDATE: As of 7 a.m. Saturday, June 17, the fire has expanded to 11,500 acres.
SUPPLY — A 400-acre controlled burn has manifested into a wildfire still ablaze in Brunswick County — and it continues growing.
READ MORE: Air quality degrades further in Brunswick due to Green Swamp wildfire
Yesterday, the N.C. Forest Service indicated the Pulp Road fire in Brunswick County had burned 2,000 acres near the Green Swamp Nature Preserve. By Friday morning, that has grown to 3,500 acres and is 0% contained.
The 15,000-acre preserve crosses Brunswick and Columbus counties and is designated a National Natural Landmark since 1974. It is home to the carnivorous plant known as the Venus flytrap.
According to Friday’s update from the N.C. Forest Service, the area has been cleared of hazardous unburned fuels outside the fire area and crews mopped up “significant spotovers” along Richardson Road.
“The N.C. Forest Service is mobilizing its Red Incident Management Team to take command of the Pulp Road Fire,” the release noted. “Currently, operational resources working this fire include multiple engine and tractor plow strike teams as well as aircraft providing aerial support.”
Firefighting personnel will continue manning the site throughout the weekend.
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality has already increased its air pollution alerts to red in Brunswick County and orange in both New Hanover and Pender counties.
The forest service recommends residents and drivers along Highway 17 and nearby corridors remain alert. Smoke may impact visibility on the roadways, so those traveling should allow for more travel time or take alternate routes.
Drones are not authorized to fly in the fire zone, as it compromises safety of the pilots’ firefighting efforts.
No injuries or structures have been threatened and Green Swamp Nature Preserve is closed until further notice.
The N.C. Forest Service spokesperson Christie Adams did not respond to PCD’s request for an interview by press. This will be updated if further details are provided.
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