SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission conducted a controlled burn in Supply, which turned into a wildfire.
It is contributing to smoky air conditions in Brunswick and New Hanover counties.
The North Carolina Fire Service now has units mobilized in the Green Swamp Nature Preserve. The controlled burn was for roughly 400 acres but has spread to around 2,000, according to the forest service.
As of Thursday’s 3 p.m. announcement, 0% was contained. The forest service noted there were not injuries or structures reported vulnerable.
The wind is carrying the smoke from the Green Swamp burn site to Southport, Leland, and parts of New Hanover County.
As such, the NC Division of Air Quality announced the region is under a code orange, meaning small particulates are polluting the air and could affect those that are vulnerable to smoke.
Older adults, younger children and people with respiratory conditions, including asthma, should avoid strenuous activities outdoors, according to the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s air division.
Green Swamp is currently closed to the public while crews are on site monitoring the fire.
According to a Thursday announcement from the Town of Leland, the smoke is expected to continue for the next few days.
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