Latest Update: Old Georgetown Road/Hale Swamp Road Wildfire
BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Firefighters continue working to contain a wildfire burning near Old Georgetown Road and Hale Swamp Road between Shallotte and Ocean Isle Beach, with the fire estimated at 300 acres and 60% contained as of 10 a.m. Saturday.
The North Carolina Forest Service, along with regional fire departments, law enforcement agencies and other emergency responders, remain on scene. Officials emphasized that while the fire is 60% contained, it is not yet under control, and containment levels could change as conditions evolve.
Heavy smoke continues to impact the area, reducing visibility. Officials are asking drivers to avoid the area so firefighting crews can work safely.
No new injuries or additional structure losses have been reported since the previous update. Officials said the known damage includes a commercial self-storage building, a residential storage building, and several commercial work trucks and pieces of heavy equipment.
The cause of the wildfire remains under investigation by the North Carolina Forest Service.
No additional evacuation orders have been issued. Some residents have been instructed to evacuate through door-to-door notifications by law enforcement, though officials have not released an estimate of how many homes or people have been affected.
The American Red Cross shelter at the BSRI Brunswick Center at Shallotte has closed after receiving no evacuees. Officials said the facility remains on standby should a shelter become necessary.
Brunswick County officials also reminded residents that Stage 3 mandatory water restrictions remain in effect because of worsening drought conditions. Automated outdoor irrigation is prohibited to help conserve water, particularly for emergency response efforts.
A countywide burn ban for unincorporated areas also remains in effect. Officials are also reminding the public that flying drones near or over wildfires is illegal because they can interfere with firefighting aircraft.
Several roads remain closed due to the wildfire:
- Village Point Road
- Bricklanding Roundabout (southbound traffic)
- Bay Road at Todd Road
- Todd Road northbound from Bricklanding to Village Point Road
- Hale Swamp Road before Old Georgetown Road
- Old Georgetown Road at Ocean Isle Beach Road
Officials continue to urge anyone who does not live in the affected area to stay away, allowing firefighters and emergency crews room to work safely.
More updates are expected as conditions change.
