The massive fire that consumed more than 280 acres of woodland in Brunswick County was caused by a lightning strike.
The N.C. Forest Service said Monday that the Quarry Road fire began Friday after a lightning strike in a densely wooded area near Shallotte. As of today (July 14) the fire is 50 percent contained. Heavy rains Saturday, Sunday and Monday are helping firefighters knock down and control the fire.
The NCFS said a combination of National Weather Service data and better drone mapping pinned down the time and place of the fire, which eventually destroyed two structures and a number of vehicles. No injuries were reported, and no homes damage.
The fire saw a massive effort by firefighters from five counties, including units from Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover, Pender and South Carolina, working alongside NCFS personnel and equipment.
A number of homes were evacuated Friday and Saturday, with most residents returning by Saturday night. Smoke continues to be a hazard in some areas, and NCFS officials urge drivers to use caution, since heavy equipment is on the roadways in several areas.
The fire may continue to smolder for an extended period of time, since organic soils are smoldering and creating dense smoke at times.
The fire is not expected to be a threat to homes or property in the immediate future.
NCFS crews assisted Nakina and other departments in a fire Saturday on Happy Home Church Road while fighting the Quarry Road blaze.
Personnel are continuing to monitor a large fire in Kelly in Bladen County. the Overlyon Road fire there on the Whitehall Plantation Gamelands has moved into an area of inaccessible bays and dry swamp. That fire is estimated at 80 acres, and is 20 percent contained.
