Wildfire burns more than 500 acres in Bladen County

BLADEN COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — The N.C. Forest Service has been working on a large wildfire near White Lake in Bladen County that started Tuesday.

N.C. Forest Service says strong wind allowed the fire to grow to around 300 acres yesterday before fire lines were completed.

Today, the N.C. Forest Service used strategic firing on about 250 acres to burnout fuels between fire lines and the main fire, which increased its footprint to approximately 553 acres and containment to about 50 percent.

Officials say today’s operations not only helped to strengthen containment lines, but was also the safest strategy for firefighters as the fire is burning in pocosin bays with thick vegetation.

Those near the wildfire, which is located near highways NC 53, NC 41, and NC 210, may notice the presence of smoke. The wildfire is burning in organic soils and some groundfire is present, which tends to smolder and smoke for extended periods of time. Local highways and communities may be impacted by the smoke. Depending on wind direction and a possible combination of fog, visibility on surrounding highways may be severely limited especially in the morning and evening hours.

Residents are encouraged to avoid these areas as much as possible, and if they must drive in them to please use headlights, slower driving speeds, and allow extra time for their travels.

There were 24 firefighters from the N.C. Forest Service working today, and an additional 25 from volunteer fire departments and county emergency management. Firefighters will be back out tomorrow to do mop operations on hot-spots and improve containment lines.

No homes or structures are being threatened at this time. The cause of the wildfire is still under investigation.

March, April, and May are traditionally the worst months for wildfires in North Carolina and residents are encouraged to use caution when using fire.