Dry conditions continue in southeastern North Carolina as number of wildfires grow

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - Three wildfires burned in the region over the past week, with two occurring over the weekend, as officials urge residents to follow a statewide burn ban.

A brush fire sparked Friday afternoon in Pender County off U.S. Highway 117. The fire has since been contained, but burned four acres in a wooded area.

A fire in Ocean Isle Beach Saturday night also burned about four acres and is 80% contained, according to officials.

“It means we’re just mopping up the remaining hot spots. We hope to have it 100% contained once we deem there’s no more residual hot spots,” said Philip Jackson with the North Carolina Forest Service.

No homes or structures were threatened in either fire and no injuries were reported. Jackson said dry conditions continue to pose a risk.

A statewide burn ban is in effect until further notice.

“We need to eliminate the number of wildfires we’re seeing almost every day,” Jackson said.

Jackson said the cause of both fires is still under investigation. Statistics show the majority of wildfires are started by human activity, like campfires or burning debris.

Pender County Deputy Fire Marshal Townsend Link posted a video message on the Pender County Fire Marshal’s Office Facebook page:

“Let me explain this as simply as I can, starting a fire right now is about as smart as blow-drying your hair in the shower,” Link said in the video. “Not ‘it’s in a barrel, it’ll be fine,’ not ‘I’ve done this for 20 years.’ You see, you’ve also been ignoring your check engine lights for 20 years, and that doesn’t make it a good idea.”

Over 80 active fires have burned across North Carolina since the start of Monday, according to the state wildfire map.

“What we’re looking for at this point is significant rainfall or increase in humidity levels,” Jackson said.

Violators caught burning during the ban could face about $300 in fines. If burning causes a wildfire, violators could be held liable for suppression costs in the tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars.