The N.C. Forest Service Incident Management Team has prioritized public and firefighter safety in their ongoing efforts to manage the Sunset Road Fire in Brunswick County. As of Thursday morning, the fire remains at 1,331 acres with a containment level of 27%. The incident began on May 2 in Boiling Spring Lakes.
Incident Commander Trainee Josh Bell stated, “The main focus now is seek-and-destroy missions. We see smoke on the landscape, we go chase it. We see heat on the drone’s infrared imagery, we go chase it. Rinse and repeat, until we feel confident this thing will not come back to life.”
Fire crews have been utilizing dozer operations and water from engine crews to address hot spots. On Wednesday, additional helicopter water drops were conducted over the southwest section of the fire. The helicopter operated for about two hours, completing 28 water drops.
The fire’s cause is currently under investigation. Fortunately, no homes have been destroyed by the blaze. The percentage of containment reflects areas where there is no escape risk without further action by firefighters.
Weather conditions are expected to change with a southerly flow bringing increased humidity and a chance of showers and thunderstorms late Thursday evening. Winds are forecasted at 5-7 mph with gusts up to 15 mph.
A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains in effect up to an altitude of 3,000 feet until further notice. Information can be accessed at https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr3/?page=detail_5_5540. The public is reminded that flying drones near wildfires is unlawful as it compromises pilot safety and firefighting efforts.
Motorists in the area should remain cautious due to ongoing activity involving wildland fire engines and large equipment on local roads.
