Residents recount fear, uncertainty after Quarry Road Fire threatens homes and family history

SHALLOTTE, NC (WWAY) — Fire crews from numerous agencies spent the weekend monitoring a wildfire in Shallotte that broke out Friday near Old Georgetown Road and Hale Swamp Road.

As of Sunday afternoon, the Quarry Road Fire had burned 283 acres and was 50% contained, according to fire officials.

While firefighters made significant progress over the weekend, the fire left behind damaged property, anxious residents and lasting memories for those who live near the burn zone.

Charred trees, damaged buildings and vehicles coated in ash now mark parts of the landscape.

For many residents, the first sign of danger wasn’t an evacuation order — it was the smell of smoke, the sight of flames and phone calls from loved ones asking if everyone was safe.

Jeff Gause lives in Shallotte and says he received a call from his son.

“I was at home, and he said, ‘You know the woods are on fire?’ I said, ‘No, I didn’t know,'” Gause said.

As the fire spread, his focus quickly shifted to making sure his family was safe.

“We could feel the crisp of the fire,” he said. “It was hot. And you could actually just see the flames and hear the cracking noise of it.”

But Gause said the wildfire threatened more than homes. It also put a place with deep family roots at risk.

“Our cemetery probably goes back to the 1800s.”

The Rabash Cemetery is the final resting place of his grandparents, aunts, uncles and other relatives. As the flames moved closer, Gause said his family could only wait and hope the cemetery would be spared.

“It actually hurts all over again. It’s almost like losing them again,” he said.

For fellow Shallotte resident Trevon Frink, the fire brought hours of uncertainty as his family tried to make sure everyone made it out safely.

“Oh, I was terrified. My mom, they said they evacuated the whole neighborhood. My mom’s still at the house. There were still three dogs at the house, and I guess they thought she was already evacuated. They had the roads closed off. My brother couldn’t get to her, so there were some frantic actions from my mom, but she was able to get out safe. But there was a lot of anxiety going on.”

Frink said his family stayed with relatives while evacuation orders remained in effect. When they returned home, they were relieved to find their house still standing, though the smoke and poor air quality remained.

“The house smells like smoke. You know, I’m surprised I’m out here right now. My head’s slightly hurting from all the smoke, but there’s still fires all around the area. The air quality out here is not good at all. It’s just hard to get some fresh air.”

Although evacuation orders have been lifted and residents have returned home, firefighters continue working to strengthen containment lines, monitor hot spots and extinguish smoldering areas throughout the burn zone.

Residents say they’re thankful for the firefighters who have worked around the clock in extreme heat to protect their community.

“It’s hot out here. We’re in extreme heat and this is not making any better. The winds aren’t making any better. But thank you for your hard work and dedication.”

The cause of the Quarry Road Fire remains under investigation by the N.C. Forest Service.