Controlled burn underway at Holly Shelter

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — See smoke in Pender County? It could be from a controlled burn at the Holly Shelter Game Land.

Officials said about 1,800 acres are currently burning. Smoke from the fire was also popping up on radars as the plume headed out to sea.

Controlled burns, or prescribed burns, are performed to help maintain large wooded areas and prevent wildfires from spreading. Crews will burn floor debris, like dried sticks and leaves, so that there is less fuel if a fire ever sparks.