A wildfire on the Bladen-Columbus line is currently contained at 60 percent, according to the N.C. Forest Service.
The Rosindale fire is located between N.C. 211 and the Welches Creek Gamelands, off New Ground Drive. The fire was first reported Wednesday around 11 a.m. It quickly grew to more than 740 acres by Friday.
Forest Service personnel, plows and aircraft and volunteer firefighters worked through the night Wednesday to contain the blaze. High winds grounded aircraft briefly on Thursday, and prevent scouting drone flights that are used to chart the course of wildfires.
Smoke was visible from Wilmington to Tabor City at one point. Ash fell from Whiteville to Cerro Gordo as well.
Crews are currently monitoring hot spots and watching for rekindling in some areas. The heavily wooded tract had large amounts of debris from previous storms, adding to fuel supply. Firefighters scrambled to keep the blaze from reaching the densely wooded Gamelands, which have very little road access.
Officials hope to get a better idea of the size of the burn today (Friday) if drones can be flown over the area.
Phillip Jackson of the Forest Service said the cause is under investigation.
The ongoing drought, low humidity and strong winds have contributed to fire conditions across the state. A statewide burning ban is in place, and local burning bans were issued last week along with the state prohibition.
No outdoor burning of any kind is allowed during a burn ban. Intentionally starting a fire can result in fines and court costs, as well as civil judgements for the cost of suppression.
