The N.C. Forest Service Incident Management Team is prioritizing safety as they take command of the Sunset Road Fire in Brunswick County today at noon. Active firefighting efforts continue, with careful attention to potential spot fires around the perimeter.
Motorists in the area, particularly along NC Highway 87 near Boiling Spring Lakes, are advised to exercise caution due to the presence of wildland fire engines and large equipment. Despite the expansion of the wildfire on Saturday, no homes have been destroyed.
Weather conditions have provided some relief with scattered showers, contributing approximately six-tenths of an inch of rainfall to the area. However, residual smoldering organic soil poses ongoing challenges. The potential for flames to recur or reburn remains a concern.
The fire currently spans 1,500 acres and is 10% contained. Efforts to build and reinforce fire lines continue, supported by water drops from the N.C. Forest Service aviation fleet. However, erratic winds and regional dryness complicate containment.
Brunswick County is under a Code Orange air quality alert until midnight. For current air quality data, visit https://www.airnow.gov/.
Roads in and around Boiling Spring Lakes are now open, though motorists should remain cautious due to lingering smoke. All evacuation orders have been lifted, but an emergency shelter at South Brunswick High School is available if needed. For the latest on closures and shelter status, check the Brunswick County website at https://www.brunswickcountync.gov/CivicAlerts.
Residents are reminded to avoid flying drones in the vicinity of the wildfire, as they pose risks to pilots and interfere with firefighting operations. “While drones provide unique opportunities for aerial video and imagery of wildfire activity, they are unauthorized,” stated the management team.
