Smoke in Wilmington from Brunswick County prescribed burns

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Many people have contacted our newsroom about heavy smoke and ash in Wilmington. Turns out it’s from across the river.

The Wilmington Fire Department says the smoke is ash is coming from a prescribed burn at Orton Plantation of NC 133 in Brunswick County. It’s one of at least three prescribed burns in Brunswick County today.

Brunswick County Emergency Services says the other burns are at W. Boiling Spring Rd. and Bohemia Rd. in Boiling Spring Lakes and at Daws Creek Rd. and Governors Rd. in Winnabow.

WFD says some of the ash did spark a few small fires in Wilmington that were quickly extinguished. The fire department asks you not to call 911 to report ash and smoke; only call to report seeing flames.