Officials explain ash and ember presence near Sunset Road Fire

BOILING SPRING LAKES, NC (WWAY) –Residents in parts of Brunswick County may continue to see ash and embers in the air as the Sunset Road Fire in Boiling Spring Lakes remains active within containment lines.

According to Boiling Spring Lakes Fire Rescue, ash is a byproduct of burned vegetation, often appearing as white or gray powder that can settle on outdoor surfaces. Embers are small, glowing pieces of burning material that can be carried by wind and have the potential to ignite new fires.

Fire Chief Bill Lathrop said that if wind conditions remain stable, the ash and embers are expected to stay within areas that have already burned, known among firefighters as “the black.” However, he noted that stronger winds could carry embers outside the containment area.

“If it’s still in a black area—or where it’s already burned—it’s not really black anymore, it’s more of a white ash, and we know it’s there,” Lathrop said. “As of right now, the wind’s not blowing really hard, so it shouldn’t go anywhere. But what we’re really concerned about is whether it moves to a different location or we see open flames again.”

Fire officials are also urging drivers to use caution along Sunset Road, where emergency crews remain active and are working near the roadway.