The North Carolina Forest Service Incident Management Team is prioritizing public and firefighter safety as they continue to manage the Sunset Road Fire in Brunswick County. The fire, which started on May 2, remains at 1,331 acres with a containment level of 83%. It originated from a debris burn on private property on April 25. Bobby Max Lowery, aged 48 from Nebo, NC, has been charged under North Carolina General Statute 14-140.1.
Motorists are advised to exercise caution due to wildland fire engines and large equipment present in the area. Rainfall has reduced visibility further complicating travel conditions.
Persistent drought conditions in southeastern North Carolina have kept vegetation susceptible to fires. The affected area in Boiling Spring Lakes includes heavy brush fuels and an overstory of pond pine and longleaf pine. Organic soils prevalent in this region can sustain ground fires for extended periods when dry. A forecasted cold front contributed to extreme fire behavior observed on May 3.
The N.C. Forest Service expressed gratitude towards the City of Boiling Spring Lakes for their assistance during the wildfire investigation.
On May 11, approximately 2.75 inches of rain fell around the fire’s perimeter, resulting in muddy conditions that temporarily halted operational work by fire personnel who remain stationed locally until conditions improve.
A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is active from the surface up to 3,000 feet until further notice. Flying drones within this restricted area is illegal as it endangers pilots’ safety and disrupts firefighting efforts.
For updates on the Sunset Road Fire, visit www.ncagr.gov/divisions/nc-forest-service/fire-control-and-prevention/sit-report or follow the N.C. Forest Service on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NCForestService.
