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, which started on May 2 in Boiling Spring Lakes, has spread across 1,331 acres with a containment of 15%.
Firefighters made progress on Tuesday by working around the fire perimeter to extinguish smoldering areas and reinforce existing fire lines. Operations Section Chief Trainee David Poole stated, “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.” Drone infrared technology was used to identify hot spots and improve acreage mapping.
No homes have been destroyed so far. Containment percentages indicate sections of the fire line that do not pose an escape risk without further action from firefighters.
Weather conditions may affect firefighting efforts as drier air moves into the region limiting rain chances on Tuesday. However, moisture is expected to return mid-week with increased shower and thunderstorm chances. Local fuel conditions remain dry due to a moderate drought, leading to potential increases in fire activity as humidity drops.
A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains in place at altitudes up to 3,000 feet until further notice. Flying drones within this area is illegal as it endangers pilots and disrupts firefighting operations.
Motorists are advised to exercise caution due to wildland fire engines and large equipment operating in the area.
