The primary objective for the N.C. Forest Service Incident Management Team is public and firefighter safety.
PLEASE BE AWARE: Wildland fire engines and large equipment continue to be on roads in the fire area and traveling to and from assignments. Motorists are urged to exercise caution and stay alert.
Acreage: 1,331 acres | Containment: 15%
On Tuesday, fire personnel made progress working around the fire perimeter to extinguish smoldering areas and reinforce existing fire lines. “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,” notes Operations Section Chief Trainee David Poole. Fire personnel utilized drone infrared technology yesterday to gather a better understanding of where the hot spots are on the fire and get better acreage measurements for mapping. The cause of the wildfire remains under investigation.
The Sunset Road Fire is burning in Boiling Spring Lakes in Brunswick County. The fire began Friday, May 2. No homes have been destroyed. Percent containment represents sections of fire line that pose no escape risk without further action from firefighters.
Weather and Fire Behavior: The stalled front will pull away from the area Tuesday night. Drier air will move into the region Tuesday limiting rain chance. Moisture returns by the middle of the week increasing shower and thunderstorm chances through the end of the week. Local fuel conditions are considered dry for this time of year due to the ongoing moderate drought. A warm, dry day Tuesday will bring an increase in fire activity in areas of the fire that still have abundant heat. Fire will be creeping and smoldering with potential for some increased flame activity, particularly in the afternoon as the humidity drops. Spot fire conditions are favorable as sea breezes increase wind gusts in the afternoon.
Temporary Flight Restriction: A “TFR” is in place at an altitude from the surface up to and including 3,000 feet, daily (24 hours) until further notice. Complete information is available at https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr3/?page=detail_5_5540. Flying drones within a TFR designated area is unlawful. Flying a drone near or around a wildfire compromises the safety of pilots and interferes with firefighting efforts. The public is reminded to keep drones away from wildfires.