DARE/HYDE COUNTY, N.C. – A forest fire that has been burning since April 18 is now approximately 78 percent contained at 15,453 acres.
The fire is now impacting Private Lands, NC Wildlife Resources Commission Gamelands, Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, US Air Force and The Nature Conservancy.
Fire activity has been declining for several days.
Since the fire complexity and activity level have decreased, the need for resources, including both people and equipment, has also declined.
The estimated cost of suppression efforts to date is $505,242.00.
With the forecast weather of 50 percent chance thunderstorms, relative humidity of 54 percent and wind from the southwest at 10 mph, the fire is not expected to increase in size from its current 15,453 acres.
According to Hyde County Emergency Services Manager Jason Gibbs, the ‘Whipping Creek Road Fire’ is actually two separate fires. One of the fires goes north from the border line of Hyde County and Dare County to Stumpy Point. The other is spreading south towards Engelbard in Hyde County.
While the Whipping Creek Road Fire is being managed and monitored, this group of firefighters will also maintain vigilance for any potential of new fire starts.
There are no evacuations in place and no communities are threatened at this time.
