BRUNSWICK COUNTY — A wildfire that ignited Friday between Shallotte and Ocean Isle Beach is 10% contained, according to officials.
This fire has burned 300 acres as crews from the North Carolina Forest Service and varied area departments, including New Hanover, Wilmington and more, respond and work to mitigate further growth. Containment doesn’t mean extinguishing the flames, rather securing the perimeter so the fire can’t escape a boundary and grow.
The fire was 60% contained earlier Saturday and had expanded to 400 or so acres. The North Carolina Forest Service noted “extreme heat, dry conditions and gusty winds” made the fire’s behavior “erratic, active and running.” In addition to securing the boundaries, crews were flying planes to drop over water throughout the day.
Saturday’s scattered thunderstorms were helpful to crews and officials are hopeful by more storms and a cold front expected into Sunday will help contain it further to protect homes in the area. Roughly, 30 houses were threatened and the Rourk Woods neighborhood was evacuated Friday; by Saturday, all evacuation orders lifted.
While homes haven’t sustained damage, a couple commercial structures were affected by the flames, including the Lazy Iguana Dump Trailer Service, located at 5579 Old Georgetown Rd. In addition to a damaged structure on the property, trucks and other equipment were impacted.
Georgetown Road closed throughout most of the last 24 hours but has reopened, as have a half-dozen other roads the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office announced closed Friday evening into Saturday. However, motorists should continue to avoid the area as the fire is still active and unpredictable.
One firefighter was treated for minor injuries Friday evening, but no further injuries have taken place.
Smoke continues to affect the area and the North Carolina Department of Air Quality has classified Brunswick County as a PM2.5 AQI 80, or moderate. This could pose a risk for some, particularly people who are sensitive to air pollution.
It’s unknown what started the fire, which remains under investigation.
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