UPDATE: Wildfires contained across Southeastern NC

SOUTHEASTERN, NC (WECT) - More than 11 separate wildfires are all contained Sunday, according to Mike Malcom, the district ranger for district eight of the North Carolina Forest Service. The fires burned on Saturday across Southeastern North Carolina, according to Malcom.

The largest wildfire Saturday is burning near Enterprise Dr NE in Leland near U.S. Highway 74/76. It was first reported at 3:08 p.m. and was 80 percent contained as of 6:30 p.m., according to Malcom.

The Leland wildfire was about two acres in size as of 4:10 p.m. and grew to more than ten acres as of 5:24 p.m.

Crews said the fire spread to a wetter area of the forest, which helped reduce the fire but also made it difficult for ground crews to travel.

Fire control units on scene include four tractor-plow units, a scout plane, a helicopter with a water bucket, two single-engine air tankers, and forest service personnel. Local law enforcement is also helping to keep the public away.

A WECT journalist on scene said black smoke filled the air above the woods near the Windsor Park community.

The fire service said the Windsor Park Community is not under threat by the fire. No injuries have been reported.

The specific cause of the Leland wildfire is still under investigation.

On Saturday, there was one other wildfire in Pender County, three fires in Duplin County, one fire in Columbus County, and five other wildfires in Brunswick County, according to North Carolina Forest Service.

Weather conditions including warm weather, low humidity, and breezes created favorable conditions for wildfires, the forest service said. Wildfires are not atypical this time of year. According to Malcom, things were a lot better Sunday and conditions were not favorable for fires.

If you are burning anything outdoors, the fire service asks that you make sure you have a burn permit if needed; have water, tools, and a cell phone for emergencies, and do not burn near the woods.

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