The N.C. Forest Service Incident Management Team is prioritizing public and firefighter safety as they address the ongoing Sunset Road Fire in Brunswick County. The fire has burned 1,331 acres with containment currently at 15%.
Fire personnel made progress on Tuesday by working around the perimeter to extinguish smoldering areas and reinforce existing fire lines. Operations Section Chief Trainee David Poole explained their approach: “Our standard for mopping up, or cleaning up, these pockets that are still holding heat is 100 feet to the interior from the edge of the fire line. That means if we see smoke or if heat has been detected, we’re chasing it deep into the fire.” Drones equipped with infrared technology were used to identify hot spots and obtain accurate acreage measurements.
The cause of the wildfire, which began on May 2 in Boiling Spring Lakes, remains under investigation. No homes have been destroyed thus far.
Weather conditions may influence fire behavior this week. A stalled front will move away on Tuesday night, bringing drier air to the region. However, moisture is expected to return midweek with increased chances of showers and thunderstorms through week’s end. Local fuel conditions remain dry due to moderate drought conditions. As a result, Tuesday’s warm and dry weather could increase fire activity where there is still significant heat.
A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in effect from ground level up to 3,000 feet until further notice. More information can be found at https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr3/?page=detail_5_5540. The public is reminded that flying drones within a TFR area is illegal as it compromises pilot safety and interferes with firefighting efforts.
Motorists are advised to exercise caution due to wildland fire engines and large equipment present on roads in the affected area.
