Unattended burn barrel sparks fire in Southport, police say

SOUTHPORT, NC (WWAY) — Police and fire crews in Southport responded to a fire Saturday afternoon in the 200 block of East 11th Street.

According to Southport Police Department, arriving officers found a fast-moving fire burning across three adjacent yards. Fire crews worked quickly to stop the spread, but several sections of privacy fencing between the yards were damaged.

Officials say windy and dry conditions helped push the fire across multiple properties.

An unattended burn barrel was determined to be the cause of the fire. Crews were able to bring the fire under control in approximately 20 minutes and remained on scene for about an hour to complete overhaul operations.

Fire officials are reminding residents that open burning is not allowed within city limits, with the exception of cooking fires. The Southport Fire Marshal’s Office will handle the follow-up and investigation.