Wildfire in southern Brunswick County grows to 300 acres, prompts evacuations and road closures
SHALLOTTE, N.C. (WWAY) — The N.C. Forest Service, local fire departments, law enforcement agencies and other emergency responders are continuing to battle a wildfire near the Shallotte and Ocean Isle Beach areas.
The fire is located near the intersection of Old Georgetown Road and Hale Swamp Road. As of 12 a.m. Saturday, July 11, officials said the wildfire area was estimated at approximately 300 acres.
The N.C. Forest Service is working to establish containment lines around the fire. Officials said there is not an official containment percentage available at this time because conditions remain fluid.
Heavy smoke is expected to remain in the area and could impact visibility. Drivers are urged to avoid the area if possible to allow firefighters and first responders to safely operate.
Fire crews from multiple agencies respond
The response includes the N.C. Forest Service, all Brunswick County fire departments, and additional crews from New Hanover County, Horry County, South Carolina, and the City of Wilmington.
Law enforcement agencies from across Brunswick County and the region, along with the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, are assisting with traffic control and emergency operations.
Officials said one minor injury has been reported involving a firefighter who was treated on scene.
A few structures are also believed to have been damaged in the fire, but officials have not confirmed what types of structures were affected.
Some evacuations ordered; shelter available
Some residents near the wildfire have received evacuation orders directly from law enforcement officers during door-to-door notifications.
Officials said they do not currently have an exact number of homes or people affected by the evacuations.
Residents who have not been visited by law enforcement are not currently under an evacuation order. However, officials said people in the area may voluntarily evacuate if they choose and should prepare an emergency plan, including gathering essential items and medications, in case conditions change.
The American Red Cross is operating an evacuation shelter at:
BSRI Brunswick Center at Shallotte (Senior Center)
3620 Express Drive
Shallotte, NC 28470
Domestic animals are allowed at the shelter as long as they are kept in a kennel or crate.
Road closures remain in effect
Several roads in the Shallotte area remain closed due to the wildfire response. Officials are asking drivers to avoid the area and use alternate routes.
Current road closures include:
- 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 are urging anyone who does not live in the affected area to stay away and allow firefighters, law enforcement and emergency crews room to work safely.
Officials warn against drone use near wildfire
Brunswick County officials are reminding residents that flying drones near or over wildfires is illegal in North Carolina.
Firefighting aircraft responding to wildfires fly at low altitudes while supporting crews on the ground. Officials said drones can create a serious safety risk for pilots, firefighters, residents and nearby property.
Under N.C.G.S. §15A-300.4, no person, entity or state agency may operate an unmanned aircraft system within a horizontal or vertical distance of 3,000 feet from a forest fire within the jurisdiction of the N.C. Forest Service.
If you do not live in the affected area, officials are urging you to please stay away and allow firefighters, law enforcement, and emergency crews room to work safely.
For residents living in the area, you can stay up-to-date with the latest on this fire through the following:
- Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office Facebook
- Brunswick County Social Media Platforms
- Sign Up for Notifications & Alerts
- NC Forest Service Wildfire Map
WWAY will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.
