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, particularly in times where rain reduces visibility.
Acreage: 1,331 acres | Containment: 56%
On Thursday, significant progress was made by crews working to extinguish persistent hot spots around the fire perimeter. Engine crews and UTVs have concentrated their efforts in areas still holding significant heat, particularly in the northeast section and southern tip of the fire. Areas considered contained are being closely monitored by firefighters to ensure the fire remains cold.
“Now’s the time for us to dig in our heels and make sure we get every bit of heat out of this fire. The incoming rain will be a great help. That, and our continued efforts to put additional water on the hot spots and knock down piles of debris will pay dividends,” says Operations Section Chief Trainee Weston Vandenabeele.
Fire containment has increased to 56% as of Friday morning. The fire’s acreage remains at 1,331 acres. 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: A sea breeze will initiate around noon, bringing great likelihood of showers and storms by the afternoon. Light winds becoming southwest 5 to 7 mph in the late morning and afternoon are forecast. Gusty and erratic winds can be expected near thunderstorms. A cold front will stall near the area, bringing potential for more scattered showers and thunderstorms over the weekend. An area of low pressure develops over the southeast U.S. early next week leading to an extended period of unsettled weather.
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_8047. 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.