*This is a North Carolina Forest Service notice. Brunswick County will share the latest information from the NC Forest service on this webpage when available. For the most up-to-date information, visit the NC Forest Service website.
The primary objective for the N.C. Forest Service Incident Management Team is public and firefighter safety.
PLEASE BE AWARE: Wildland fire engines and large equipment continue to be on roads in the fire area and traveling to and from assignments. Motorists are urged to exercise caution and stay alert.
Acreage: 1,331 acres | Containment: 15%
On Tuesday, fire personnel conducted a drone flight on the northern portion of the fire to detect hot spots. Despite growing firefighter confidence in fire lines in the southern tip of the fire, more heat signatures were found in the northern section during the drone flight than previously anticipated, therefore containment percentage remains the same. The fire acreage remains at 1,331 acres. The cause of the wildfire is under investigation.
N.C. Forest Service equipment on the fire as of this morning includes: six tractor plow units with 10 personnel, 10 Type 6 engines with 22 personnel, one full track with two personnel, and six UTVs with fire suppression equipment and 12 personnel. Two water tenders have been coordinated for assistance in refilling water handling equipment by Boiling Spring Lakes Fire Department and cooperators. Cooperators also include City of Boiling Spring Lakes, Boiling Spring Lakes Police Department, Brunswick County Emergency Management, Brunswick County EMS, Brunswick County Sherrif’s Office, and various fire departments and volunteer fire departments throughout Brunswick and surrounding counties providing standby support as needed.
The Sunset Road Fire is burning in Boiling Spring Lakes in Brunswick County. The fire began Friday, May 2. No homes have been destroyed. Percent containment represents sections of fire line that pose no escape risk without further action from firefighters.
Weather and Fire Behavior: Moisture returns for the rest of the week with a stalled front moving back into the region. Another sea breeze is expected around noon today, causing an increase in wind gusts for the afternoon. Moderate drought is ongoing, with potential for scattered showers and thunderstorms starting Wednesday night and continuing through the weekend. The fire continues to creep and smolder, with subsurface ground fire present. Smoke remains visible within the direct vicinity of the fire.
Temporary Flight Restriction: A “TFR” is in place at an altitude from the surface up to and including 3,000 feet, daily (24 hours) until further notice. Complete information is available at https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr3/?page=detail_5_5540. Flying drones within a TFR designated area is unlawful. Flying a drone near or around a wildfire compromises the safety of pilots and interferes with firefighting efforts. The public is reminded to keep drones away from wildfires.
Associated Files
Public Safety Reminders
Brunswick County is currently assisting the NC Forest Service, Boiling Spring Lakes Fire Rescue and the City of Boiling Spring Lakes in response to a wildfire affecting the Boiling Spring Lakes and surrounding areas. Brunswick County and the City of Boiling Spring Lakes have both declared a state of emergency due to the incident. Any additional information will be shared at brunswickcountync.gov/bslfire.
This is still an active incident. Residents are urged to remain alert and follow local law enforcement for any updates or changes to the wildfire’s status. If you have an emergency related to the wildfire, call 9-1-1.
Thank you to all our area and state firefighters, law enforcement, EMS, local government, and community partners for their dedication and efforts during this time. Thank you also to our residents for your support and for helping our public safety professionals by following important safety measures and staying alert during this public safety emergency.
- Donations: We appreciate the generosity of our community members. At this time, however, all needs are met for our public safety teams based in Boiling Spring Lakes and we cannot accept anymore food or drink donations. Thank you again for supporting our firefighters and public safety professionals. Consider also reaching out to your local fire department or fire station to see if their team has any needs. Remember that this is still an active incident. Stay aware and continue to follow law enforcement directions and safety measures. Thank you!
- Air Quality: A CODE YELLOW Air Quality Alert is currently in effect for Brunswick County. According to the state’s air quality index, there may be a moderate health concern for people who are unusally sensitive to air pollution. Consider limiting prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors.
- Do Not Fly Drones Near or Over Wildfire: The NC Forest Service reminds everyone that flying a drone near or over a wildfire is ILLEGAL. Firefighting aircraft that respond to wildfires fly low in support of ground personnel. Drones can pose a serious threat to pilot and public safety. A drone that disrupts air operations also puts firefighters, residents and property at risk of loss to wildfire.
- Shelter: The American RedCross shelter at South Brunswick High School (280 Cougar Rd, Boiling Spring Lakes, NC 28461) has closed. American RedCross’ sheltering team remains on standby in the event an additional shelter is needed due to the wildfire incident.Brunswick County will share information on shelters or sheltering assistance should they become necessary in the future on our website at brunswickcountync.gov/bslfire.
This is still an active incident. Residents are urged to remain alert and follow local law enforcement for any updates or changes to the wildfire’s status. If you have an emergency related to the wildfire, call 9-1-1. - Roads: Drivers should remain cautious and patient today as roads reopen. Heavy smoke will be present over the next few days. Click Here to See Latest Road Status in Real-Time
- County Burn Ban: A burn ban is also in effect for the unincorporated areas of Brunswick County. All burning within 100 feet of any structure is prohibited within the unincorporated areas of Brunswick County. An unincorporated area is an area not within a municipality (incorporated city, town, or village limits). If you are located in a city or town, contact your local municipal official related to the burn ban.
Stay Alert
Community members are encouraged to check Brunswick County and the City of Boiling Spring’s websites for updates. Sign up for emergency situation email updates from Brunswick County at brunswickcountync.gov/email.
Stay Informed