Active Wildfires in NC
North Carolina is currently managing several active wildfires, primarily concentrated in the eastern coastal plain and southeastern regions.
Recent hot temperatures and periodic dry spells have contributed to increased fire activity, though seasonal humidity and scattered storms remain a factor.
North Carolina is experiencing an elevated fire risk, particularly across the eastern coastal plain, driven by extreme summer heat and moderate drought conditions. The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) outlook indicates an above-normal significant fire potential for the Carolinas as we move into August. Firefighting resources remain actively engaged across the state to manage existing incidents, monitor smoldering terrain, and prepare for potential new starts.
Over the last 72 hours, fire crews have continued to manage and contain multiple active wildfires in the eastern part of the state. The NC Forest Service is currently focused on reinforcing fire lines, and diligently monitoring underground smoldering. While the immediate threat to local homes has eased for several of these fires, authorities are managing dense smoke spreading into neighboring coastal communities.
Key Fires
The state is closely monitoring these conditions, as the combination of dry coastal fuels and lightning from summer storms presents an ongoing risk for new fire starts.
Rose Bay Canal Fire: Located in Hyde County, southwest of the state prison, this is the largest recent fire at 667 acres and is currently 100% contained. The fire has been fueled by deep organic pocosin soils (peat) common to the area’s wetlands. These organic soils continue to smolder underground, generating a persistent haze over area communities.
Quarry Road Fire: Burning near Shallotte in Brunswick County, this lightning-caused fire is currently 283 acres and 90% contained. The fire is primarily fueled by ground vegetation and brush. Fire behavior is minimal, but ground fire with some active flaming continues within the interior. Crews are actively mopping up and monitoring the area.
Chicken Farm Lane Fire: Located at the Onslow/Duplin County line, this wildfire has scorched 164 acres and is currently 75% contained. Crews continue to tackle the blaze, improve containment lines, and monitor for lingering hotspots.
Hot and smoky conditions are expected to continue and potentially worsen heading into the weekend as critical fire weather develops. Dry thunderstorms are possible in the afternoons and evenings, bringing the risk of lightning strikes that could spark new wildfires in dry fuels. A cold front moving through the region may cause shifting winds, which could impact smoke dispersion and increase fire behavior in uncontained areas.
Monitor current and active fires in North Carolina as conditions change, go to fires.cornea.is/state/north-carolina.
