The N.C. Forest Service Incident Management Team is prioritizing public and firefighter safety as they manage the Sunset Road Fire in Brunswick County. The fire, which started on May 2 in Boiling Spring Lakes, currently spans 1,331 acres with a containment level of 83%.
Motorists are advised to be cautious due to the presence of wildland fire engines and large equipment on roads in the area. This caution is particularly important during rain, which can reduce visibility.
Firefighters have been conducting mop-up operations after drone flights identified lingering hot spots. Dozers and heavy equipment are being used to manage these areas, especially around Partridge Road and the southern tip of the fire. Heavy rain has temporarily halted operations, but containment remains at 83%, with no homes destroyed.
The concept of percent containment refers to sections of the fire line that pose no risk of spreading without further action from firefighters. Mop-up involves extinguishing any remaining smoke or heat using water and breaking apart smoldering vegetation.
Weather conditions include a cold front stalling south of the area, maintaining unsettled weather through Sunday. An area of low pressure is expected to bring extended rainy conditions early next week. Southeast winds between 5 to 7 mph are forecasted today, with gusty winds near thunderstorms.
A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place up to an altitude of 3,000 feet until further notice. Information about this restriction can be found at https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr3/?page=detail_5_8047. Flying drones within this area is illegal as it compromises pilot safety and firefighting efforts.
