Forecaster: projected rainfall not enough to control fires

COLUMBIA, N.C.– A forecaster says any rain produced when a cold front crosses the state later today won’t be enough to put out a wildfire in eastern North Carolina.

The National Weather Service and forestry officials say steady soaking rain is needed to reign in the Evans Road fire burning in and around Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge.

The fire has burned more than 35,000 acres and is the largest wildfire in the United States. A spokeswoman says the second-largest is the 2,100-acre Thompson fire in New Mexico.

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