TYRRELL COUNTY, N.C. — Firefighting crews are working to douse a wildfire in eastern North Carolina currently burning on both federal and private lands.
The North Carolina Forest Service confirmed that as of 4 p.m. Saturday, the Last Resort Fire in Tyrrell County was at 0% containment, with the fire's size estimated at 5,800 acres. The Forest Service said it was working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to handle burnout operations, with 48 personnel on scene.
Light rain did help moderate conditions in the late afternoon.
Significant smoke is expected due to the fire and planned burnout operations. Drivers in the area shouldn't expect lots of smoke to impact visibility but should be alert and expect the smell of smoke in areas east of Creswell.
As of publication, no injuries have been reported. No structures are threatened at this time. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
The NC Forest Service asks members of the public with drones not to fly them near the wildfire. Aerial drones can interfere with firefighting efforts and compromise the safety of pilots and aerial crews working.
The NC Forest Service's website shows the fire is burning in part of the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge along Tyrrell County's southwest corner, which borders Washington and Hyde counties.
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