Cause of massive Shallotte wildfire identified; crews continue containment efforts
SHALLOTTE, N.C. (WWAY) — Fire officials have determined that a lightning strike sparked the massive wildfire that scorched nearly 300 acres near Shallotte, leaving behind extensive damage as crews continue working to fully contain the fire.
Smoke continued to linger Monday along Old Georgetown Road, where burned vehicles and blackened land remain visible following the wildfire.
Pat Connick, manager of Green Up Nursery, said his business escaped damage despite being located near the fire.
“We were concerned for the business and all the homeowners on this street,” Connick said.
He credited firefighters with protecting nearby properties.
“Fortunately the fire department had everything under control and a lot of thanks out to them and everybody involved for keeping it under control,” Connick said.
According to Alan Matthews, Cape Fear area ranger with the North Carolina Forest Service, the fire was caused by a lightning strike that ignited organic soils beneath the surface.
He explained that decades of accumulated organic material beneath the ground can continue burning long after a lightning strike.
“And because of those organic soils, lightning will strike a tree and will start burning underground in those organics,” Matthews said. “This prolonged drought that we’ve been in has made those soils very perceptive for fire, making them burn longer and hotter.”
The organic soils, which Matthews compared to dry coffee grounds, contain little to no moisture, allowing fires to smolder underground for extended periods.
“It really depends on the rain. Something like this can burn a week at a time, especially if we don’t get any rain,” Matthews said.
Rain moved into Brunswick County on Monday afternoon, providing some relief after weeks of exceptionally dry conditions.
Connick said the rainfall was welcome news for customers whose irrigation systems remain shut off under county water restrictions.
“As of right now they are not allowed to use their irrigation systems. There is rain scheduled all week long, so hopefully that will make up for what we are not getting in irrigation and we can revert back,” Connick said.
Brunswick County remains under a Stage 3 Water Shortage Warning. Under the restrictions, residents are prohibited from using automated outdoor irrigation systems and are required to limit water use.
