As fall wildfire season begins in North Carolina, the N.C. Forest Service is urging the public to take extra care with outdoor burning. Wildfire activity typically increases from October through early December, when falling leaves, dry vegetation and changing weather conditions can allow fires to spread quickly.
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service and the North Carolina Forest Service (NCFS) today signed a nearly $65 million, 10-year Good Neighbor Agreement to support Hurricane Helene recovery efforts in Western North Carolina.
N.C. Forest Service staff in Stanly County recognized with State Forester’s Prescribed Burning Award
N.C. Forest Service (NCFS) Stanly County staff members Josh Hawley, Cody Hartsell and Wade Blalock are the 2026 recipients of the State Forester’s Prescribed Burning Award, which honors individuals committed to expanding the use of prescribed fire in North Carolina.
Presented each year during the N.C. Prescribed Fire Council’s annual meeting, the State Forester’s Prescribed Burning Award recognizes an NCFS employee or team that demonstrates leadership and excellence in prescribed burning across North Carolina’s forests.
RALEIGH – The N.C. Forest Service (NCFS) recently awarded $5.6 million to support urban and community forestry projects in 19 local communities across North Carolina through its Urban and Community Forestry (U&CF) Financial Assistance Program.
As of Aug. 6, 2026, the Quarry Road Fire in Shallotte is 283 acres in size and 100% contained. Percent containment represents sections of fire line that pose no escape risk without further action from firefighters.
The Quarry Road Fire has been burning in Shallotte since Friday, July 10. The cause of the fire was determined to be a lightning strike.
Wildland firefighters continue mop-up operations and reinforcing fire lines. There are 21 personnel resources from the N.C. Forest Service, N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and N.C. State Parks assigned to the incident.
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Acreage and Containment: The fire is 283 acres in size and 75% contained.
The Quarry Road Fire has been burning in Shallotte since Friday, July 10. The cause of the fire was determined to be a lightning strike.
Wildland firefighting personnel are continuing mop-up operations across the fire area. Mop-up is a critical phase during suppression because remaining burning debris may rekindle and threaten the integrity of a containment line. Mop-up is highly labor intensive. Wildland firefighters target areas of heat or hot spots, expose them to mineral soil and extinguish them to prevent the fire from escaping containment lines.
Acreage and Containment: Due to more accurate mapping, the fire is 283 acres in size and is now 50% contained. Percent containment represents sections of fire line that pose no escape risk without further action from firefighters. Acreage and containment updates can be tracked using the N.C. Forest Service Wildfire Public Viewer.
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The Quarry Road Fire ignited Friday, July 10, in Shallotte. The cause of the fire was determined to be a lightning strike.
The Quarry Road Fire ignited Friday, July 10, in Shallotte. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Wildland firefighting crews will continue to install fire lines, monitor and mop up smoldering organic fuels.
PLEASE BE AWARE: Firefighting engines and equipment are working and moving in the fire area. Motorists are urged to exercise caution, stay alert and avoid the area if possible.
The Quarry Road Fire ignited Friday, July 10, in Shallotte.
The N.C. Forest Service and Tri-Beach Fire Department remain in unified command of the Quarry Road Fire. Multiple personnel and equipment resources are engaged. N.C. Forest Service aircraft are providing aerial support for wildland firefighters on the ground.