People to blame for Brunswick Co. wildfire, forest service says

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Officials have determined that a fire that shut down part of a highway earlier this week near Bolivia was started by people.

The fire started Tuesday and burned thousands of acres. Parts of Highway 211 were shut down and a shelter was opened due to the blaze. Chris Meggs with the NC Forest Service tells WWAY they’ve determined that debris burning led to the wildfire.

Meggs said they will now work with law enforcement to decide on what action to take, so they are not releasing the name of the person or persons responsible at this time.

On Thursday, officials asked Brunswick County residents to not burn anything until there is a significant storm to help saturate the area.