BOILING SPRING LAKES — An investigation into the wildfire that firefighters have been battling in a Brunswick County town for more than a week now has a cause of ignition.
According to the N.C. Forest Service, Bobby Max Lowery, 48, of Nebo, North Carolina, is responsible due to burning debris on his property on Friday, April 25. Seven days later the wildfire began.
Lowery is cited with North Carolina General Statute 14-140.1:
“Any person, firm, corporation, or other legal entity who shall burn any brush, grass, or other material whereby any property may be endangered or destroyed, without keeping and maintaining a careful watchman in charge of the burning, shall be guilty of an infraction which may include a fine of not more $50. Fire escaping from the brush, grass, or other material while burning shall be prima facie evidence of violation of this provision. Significant improvement due to weekend rains.”
The Sunset Road fire is now 83% contained across 1,331 acres. Its containment increased throughout the weekend, as thunderstorms moved through. Around 2.75 inches of rain mitigated its footprint and helped reach deep organic soils able to hold ground fire for extended periods of time.
The region has been under moderate drought conditions that have added to the fire’s growth. Burn bans have also been in effect due to the environmental concerns, but in Brunswick County’s unincorporated areas and in Leland, the ban will lift at noon. This means people can apply for permits to open-burn within 100 feet of an occupied structure.
“Residents should still be on guard and monitor any burning they may do to ensure safety and compliance with the law,” Fire Marshal Thompson said. “Rainy weather and other factors are helping improve some of the dangerous conditions we have seen here lately, but it is important to remain cautious to help our firefighters and public safety crews as they work to mitigate the remaining work related to the recent wildfire.”
There is still a no-fly-zone for drones in the region. Crews continue to mop up containment lines and monitor the area to continue extinguishing the fire.
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