Pains Bay Wildfire now 100-percent contained

MANTEO, N.C. -- Officials say the Pains Bay Wildfire is now 100-percent contained but that doesn't mean the fire is out.

More than 150 firefighters and emergency workers are still fighting the fire that's burned through more than 45,000 acres.

Crews are pumping water along containment lines which they tell us have held steady for the past three weeks.

---Previous Story, Pains Bay wildfire almost fully contained---

MANTEO, N.C. - The wildfire burning in Dare County is almost fully contained.

Officials said Sunday that the Pains Bay wildfire is now 97% contained.

So far, that fire has burned more than 45,000 acres since it started back on May 5th.

Investigators are blaming a lightning strike for starting the massive wildfire.

---Previous Story, Crews making progress against Pains Bay wildfire---

MANTEO, N.C. - And people living on the Outer Banks are still dealing with smoke from the Pains Bay wildfire.

But crews are making progress putting out those hot spots. It's still about 95% contained.

The fire has burned more than 45,000 acres.

Crews are continuing efforts to flood out remaining hot spots.

--- Previous Story - Meetings set to talk about Dare Co. wildfire that is 95-percent contained ---

MANTEO, N.C. -- The wildfire that crews have been fighting in Dare County for weeks now is almost fully contained. Officials said on Monday that the pains bay wildfire is now 95-percent contained.

The fire burned more than 45-thousand acres since starting on May 5 from lightning. Even though officials say containment lines are holding, the dry weather forecast for this week isn't going to help the cause.

On Tuesday you will get a chance to talk to officials about the fire in person. There will be five meetings over the next two days about the fire.

The first of those meetings is this morning in Rodanthe at the Rodanthe-Waves-Salvo Community Building starting at 10:00 a.m. The next meeting is at 2:00 p.m. at the Dare County Administration Building on Roanoke Island.

On Wednesday there will be three meetings throughout the day. The first is at 10:00 a.m. at the Kern P. Pitts Center at Southern Shores, then at 2:00 p.m. at the Kill Devil Hills Town Hall. The last meeting is at the Manns Harbor Fire Department and Community Center at 6:00 p.m.

Officials will be at those meetings to talk about the fire and any health concerns.

---Previous Story, Coastal wildfire 95% contained Monday---

MANTEO, N.C. - Overnight rain provided some relief to crews on the scene of the Pains Bay wildfire

The fire that started May 5th from lightning was 95% contained Monday night. More than 45,000 acres have burned.

Less than an inch of rain fell on the area Sunday night. Firefighters say it will take something like at least six inches to knock out the ground fire.

Fire containment lines have held for the last two weeks.

Nevertheless, those near the fire and along the Outer Banks need to limit time outdoors.

--- Previous Story - Coastal wildfire 89% contained ---

MANTEO, N.C. – Air quality officials say the air is very unhealthy for people living near the coastal wildfire.

There's an Air Quality Alert out for Manteo, mainland Dare County and the northern Outer Banks through the weekend. Those areas will be under a Code Purple until Monday.

If you live in those areas, you're advised to avoid being outside for a long period of time.

Health officials say you can tell if you're reaching overexposure to smoke if you start to feel irritation in your eyes, nose and throat. Asthma attacks and shortness of breath are also possible.      

The wildfire size is now more than 45,000 acres.

Firefighters say they have the wildfire 85% contained.

To keep track of the smoke and road closures, go to www.co.dare.nc.us.

---Previous Story, Pains Bay Wildfire now 80-percent contained---

MANTEO, N.C. -- Crews battling the Pains Bay wildfire are making progress.

Officials tell us the fire is now 80-percent contained. That is up from 75-percent containment on Wednesday.

Drivers need to be careful though when traveling on Highway 264 near the fire on Thursday morning. Officials are predicting a super fog event that could affect those areas. Of course, if any roads are closed because of this, Nine on Your Side will let you know.

---Previous Story, Air advisories issued as Dare County wildfire continues to burn---

MANTEO, N.C. – Heavy smoke continues pouring from that Pains Bay wildfire and health officials are urging people to cut back on their time spent outdoors.

People living in Dare County to Beaufort, Morehead City, Swansboro and the Outer Banks should avoid spending too much time outside today.

The size of the fire is around 70 miles and its 75% contained. 

The biggest concern is that ground fire could flare up and spread past containment lines.

Crews are monitoring the fire and nearby communities around the clock to ensure safety.

---Previous Story, 70 square miles scorched in coastal wildfire---

MANTEO, N.C. - Firefighters are still working to keep the Pains Bay fire contained.

Engine crews and helicopters are pumping millions of gallons of water into the fire to suppress burning peat soil. Crews are also using infrared technology to detect hot spots.

Smoke is a continuing safety hazard on Highway 264 near the fire. There is also a strong possibility of fog and drivers are urged to use extreme caution.

Barb and Bruce Meador on the Outer Banks sent us a picture of a smoky horizon over the weekend. The picture was taken about five miles west of Kill Devil Hills.

The fire has burned over 45,000 acres since it was started by lighting on May 5th.

It is now 75% contained.

--- Previous Story - Officials will hold public meeting about Dare Co. wildfire ---

MANTEO, N.C. - The wildfire on our coast continues to burn and if you live in that area, officials will talk to you about it on Thursday night.

A public meeting will be held at the Stumpy Point Community Center at 6:30 p.m. to talk about the fire.

So far, the fire has burned more than 44,000 acres and it's 75 percent contained. Highway 264 is open but officials are keeping a close eye on it and will close the highway if conditions get too bad.

---Previous Story, Crews struggle with coastal wildfire for more than a month---

MANTEO, N.C. --  A coastal wildfire that’s been burning for more than a month now is still causing trouble for firefighters.

Highway 264 was temporarily closed this morning because of a “superfog” event near Stumpy Point. The highway is back open tonight, but crews say they are monitoring the fog. The fire size is now an estimated 44,969 acres.

Wildfire officials say 75% of the perimeter is contained.

Crews say information on Dare county road closures is now available 24 hours a day by calling Dare Central Communications at 252-473-3444 or online at www.co.dare.nc.us.

---Previous Story: Day 32: Pains Bay Wildfire 'virtually impossible' to extinguish---

MANTEO, N.C. -- More smoke blankets much of the east this morning and throughout the day as the Pains Bay wildfire continues to smolder. 

One month fighting this wildfire and still no end in sight, the flames themselves vanishing as they begin to burn underground.  Firefighters say putting the fire out on their own might no longer be an option.

In just over 48 hours the Pains Bay wildfire takes a turn for the worse, burning more than 15,000 acres.  Containment drops from 85 to 65 percent and the firefighter’s day grows even longer.

"There are a lot of areas on this fire that we haven't been on,” said Steve Thompson, Strike Team Leader and Firefighter.

With the 44,000 acre fire now in areas unreachable by firefighters, they say it’s virtually impossible to extinguish the flames on their own.

"I'm not talking about a normal afternoon thunderstorm; it's going to take a pretty good substantial amount of rain," said Thompson.

It’s rain that’s needed in addition to the 220 million gallons of water already on the ground.

"They're basically pumping a lot of volumes of water in and raising that water table.  In a sense, putting the fire out from underneath," said Thompson.

That’s fire burning underneath the soil, up to five feet below, exposing tree roots leading to the risk of them falling over on power lines or cars traveling by.

It also make ariel tactics useless.

“When you start doing that on thousands of acres, it's just not feasible," said Thompson.

He says air tankers aren't necessarily meant to put out the fire, but rather, douse the area in front of the fire.  That helps firefighters get in and put those containment lines down using their tractor plows.

"They come in, cool it down and then get additional resources in there," said Thompson.

It’s additional resources that could only hope to contain the fire, and pray for rain.

More than $7 million has been spent to fight the fire.  US Forestry Officials say the wildfire could easily burn all summer long before it’s fully extinguished.

---Previous Story, Highway 264 reopens after wildfire smoke forces closure---

MANTEO, N.C. -- Firefighters working the pains bay wildfire tell us conditions improved to reopen a section of U.S. highway 264 on Sunday.

Drivers heading to work Monday morning can be back on the highway between Stumpy Point and Engelhard. Officials do say drivers need to know it could close again at any time depending on the smoke and fire levels.

The wildfire has now burned more than 44,000 acres. Firefighters also tell us it's only 65-percent contained this morning a month after it started. We’re also told only significant rainfall will be able to put out most of the ground fire.

---Previous Story, "We are not out of the woods yet," wildfire crews keep Hwy 264 closed---

MANTEO, N.C. (AP) - Firefighters have again battled back against a wildfire that has been burning in eastern North Carolina for a month.

As of this morning, Hwy 264 is still closed to all public traffic between Stumpy Point and Engelhard due to smoke and fire activity close to the road.  Security personnel are continuing to assess the road conditions and will reopen the road as soon as it is safe for the public.

The North Carolina Forest Service said firefighters were able to burn land in front of the wildfire Saturday evening in the Alligator National Wildlife Refuge in Dare County after the blaze threatened to spread south past containment lines toward the major highway in the area.

The fire is only 60 percent contained. It will take a long, heavy rain to extinguish it.

The fire started May 5 from a lightning strike and has burned more than 31,000 acres.

---Previous Story - Wind Changes Causing Problems For Wildfire Crews---

DARE COUNTY, N.C. - Changing wind is causing more problems for crews working the Pains Bay wildfire. Authorities once again closed the section of Highway 264 between Engelhard and Stumpy Point. Firefighters say it will be shutdown until it's safe. The ground fire crossed one of the perimeters set up to keep it contained. Flames are moving toward the air force target range. Heavy smoke and fog is expected on highways 264 and 64 as well as the Outer Banks through tomorrow morning.

--- Previous Story - Air Quality Advisory in effect through weekend due to Pains Bay wildfire ---

KILL DEVIL HILLS, N .C. - Firefighters battling the Pains Bay wildfire are making progress while the smoke still causes problems for eastern Carolina in the form of an Air Quality Advisory.

Our friends Barb and Bruce Meador on the Outer Banks sent pictures this afternoon. They show a large plume of smoke off in the distance.

It's taken from about 10 miles away, across the Albemarle Sound from Colington Island.

Firefighters say the Pains Bay wildfire is now 80% contained and has burned about 29,000 acres.

The Air Quality Advisory will remain in effect through the weekend.

--- Previous Story - Pains Bay wildfire still the cause of continuing air pollution around the east ---

ALLIGATOR RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, N.C. - Much of the east is still under an air quality advisory because of the smoke coming from the Pains Bay coastal wildfire.

Health officials advise you to reduce your time outdoors.

These areas include Dare, Beaufort, Carteret, Craven, Lenoir, Onslow and Pitt counties.

Wildlife officials say heavy smoke continues to be a problem but crews are making progress putting out the hot spots.

The 27,000 acre fire is now 80% contained.

The air quality alert will remain in effect for much of the east through tomorrow.

--- Previous Story - Pains Bay wildfire cause of continuing air pollution around the east ---

ALLIGATOR RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, N.C. - Crews say they struggled with the massive coastal wildfire in our state today.

Firefighters the residual burning of organic soil and surface fuels caused some intense fire behavior. Still, they say the wildfire is 70 percent contained. The estimated size is now 29,479 acres.

An advisory remains in effect for many parts of the east and will continue through Thursday. People in surrounding areas should avoid or reduce time spent outdoors.

--- Previous Story - Pains Bay wildfire cause of continuing air pollution around the east ---

ALLIGATOR RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, N.C. - Heavy smoke from the Pains Bay wildfire is continuing to cause air pollution problems all across the east.

An advisory remains in effect for many parts of our viewing area and will continue through Thursday. People in these areas are advised to avoid or reduce time spent outdoors.

The fire is now 80-percent contained.

The size of the fire is around 27-thousand acres.

--- Previous Story - Coastal wildfire 80 percent contained; air quality poor from smoke ---

ALLIGATOR RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, N.C. - Crews are making progress in the fight against that coastal wildfire, nearly a month after it started burning.

The Pains Bay wildfire is now 80-percent contained.

Officials say they are continuing to monitor the nearby Stumpy Point community in case they need to evacuate.

U.S. 264 remains open for traffic as of today.

The size of the fire is around 27,000 acres.

The smoke from the fire continues to pose a health threat.

--- Previous Story - Coastal wildfire cause investigation: preliminary reports confirmed ---

ALLIGATOR RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, N.C. -- Wildfire officials say their official investigation to determine what sparked a 27,386 acre fire is complete.

John Howard with The North Carolina Division of Forest Resources says “Early in the fire, it was released that the cause was lightning. Though most folks in the field felt that, due to the location and isolation  of the site of the start, the cause pretty much had to be lightning, our policy is to announce the cause as unknown until the  
investigation is completed. There is always an official investigation. Those early announcements were accurate, but simply premature." Howard is the deputy Incident commander for the Pains Bay Fire. Officials say the lightning strike was on May 4^th. Howard says because of the nature of a lightning strike sparked fire, firefighters have a different approach. Howard says they have to treat it like a marathon instead of a sprint.

Howard says they ruled out arson because of where the ignite point was located. He says it was in a remote area far from any roads or people.

The report also notes that all human activities including camping, flare guns, planes missing the targets at the nearby Dare County Range were ruled out because there was no evidence for any of those events.

The fire is now 80 percent contained.

---Previous Story, Wildfire in Dare County now 75-percent contained---

ALLIGATOR RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, N.C. -- Crews fighting the wildfire in Dare County say more of it is now contained.

As of Sunday, the wildfire that started back on may 5 is now 75-percent contained and has burned more than 27,000 acres.

Officials warn while U.S. 264 is still open Monday morning, drivers will need to watch out for heavy smoke. Also be aware of dense fog in the area this morning as well.

---Previous Story, Pains Bay wildfire prompts "Code Purple" air alert---

ALLIGATOR RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, N.C. - The coastal wildfire that has been burning for several weeks could put a dent into outdoor plans for some people this holiday weekend.

Due to the smoke, the state issued a "Code Purple" for mainland Dare County until 3 o’clock Saturday afternoon. You’re advised to stay indoors as much as possible until then.

Meanwhile, the fire has not crossed over the new containment lines.

Firefighters on the ground and choppers dropping water are helping put out hot spots.

The current size of the fire is around 27,000 acres.

--- Previous Story - Firefighters control wildfire enough to open 264 ---

ALLIGATOR RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, N.C. - Crews fighting the Pains Bay wildfire have kept the fire from spreading further.

Part of Highway 264 was re-opened to drivers this morning. But the road, which has been closed for several weeks now because of smoke, will close again at seven tonight.

Meanwhile, crews tell us they continued burnout efforts throughout the day on Wednesday.

The fire has burned around 28,000 acres and is 65-percent contained.

--- Previousy Story: Firefighters continue work to contain escaped wildfire ---

ALLIGATOR RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, N.C. - Firefighters are making progress against the Pains Bay wildfire despite continued high winds Tuesday. 

The fire didn't spread past newly established containment lines Tuesday.

Firefighters are still preparing for burnouts to remove fuel ahead of the advancing fire.  The fire hasn't crossed Highway 265 and it's estimated at 28,062 acres.

Diminishing wind could help firefighters make progress toward securing the fire perimeter. Heavy smoke over the past couple of days has prevented using aircraft to control the escaped fire.

Emergency officials are constantly monitoring conditions to assess the need for evacuation of the Stumpy Point community. 

Outer Banks communities continue to see heavy smoke as of Tuesday. Areas to the west may see heavy smoke Wednesday. Meanwhile, U.S. Hwy. 264 has been closed from U.S. 64 to Stomper Rd. near the Dare-Hyde County line.  Only local Stumpy Point residents will be allowed access. 

--- Previous Story - Firefighters say wind is a major obstacle battling wildfire ---

ALLIGATOR RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, N.C. - Firefighters are still battling the Pains Bay wildfire in Dare County and the hot wind is a problem.

Tuesday night, the N.C. Forest Service was talking with residents of Stumpy Point about the possibility of evacuation if things change drastically. Roger Miller, with the Forestry Service said "There is not an imminent threat to Stumpy Point, but if conditions change and if the fire were to jump certain key roads, it would trigger an evacuation order.”

He said they have a great deal of concern about the wildfire because it escaped their original control lines. It now spans an estimated 29,000 acres. The wildfire remains at 65 percent containment. Early Monday, crews had it at 80 percent contained. Miller said the win is the biggest obstacle they have been fighting the last couple of days. He said, “We've had gusty wind of over 30 miles an hour on the firs area and the wind is what caused the fire escape yesterday and the run that it made yesterday."

The State Division of Air Quality warned residents of Manteo, Plymouth, Windsor, Ahoskie, Elizabeth City and the Outer Banks about the possibility of unhealthy air quality. Miller said to stay indoors and keep an eye on people with breathing problems.

---Previous Story: Firefighters battling to regain containment of Pains Bay Wildfire  ---

ALLIGATOR RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, N.C. - Firefighters are battling to regain containment on the north side of the Pains Bay Fire.

The fire escaped containment Monday afternoon, burning uncontrolled into the night. Winds gusting to 30 mph fanned the flames. 

By dawn's light the fire had burned approximately 3 miles and crossed two roads. However, the fire has not crossed Highway 264.

Right now, officials estimate the fire size to be around 29,000 acres.

Firefighters have established new control lines far in front of the advancing fire. Helicopters will be brought in to drop water to slow the spread. Meanwhile, other firefighters are positioned along new control lines to prepare burnouts to remove fuel for the advancing flames.

Emergency officials continue to monitor the situation and the potential need for evacuation of the Stumpy Point community should it come to that. A community meeting is scheduled 6:30 PM today for Stumpy Point residents to ask questions about the fire situation and evacuation plans.

Heavy smoke will continue to affect neighboring communities north of the fire for the foreseeable future. U.S. Hwy. 264 is closed from U.S. 64 to Stomper Rd. near the Dare-Hyde County line.  Only local Stumpy Point residents will be allowed access.  

Meanwhile, Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge managers are developing plans to relocate captive red wolves if needed.  No known wild red wolves are threatened. 

--- Previous Story - Firefighters Lose Containment in Pains Bay Wildfire ---

ALLIGATOR RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, N.C. - Gusty wind on Monday caused the Pains Bay wildflire to flare up and threaten the Stumpy Point community.

Firefighters blame wind gusts up to 30 miles an hour for fanning the flames that crossed their control lines and roads.  The 85 percent containment they once had dropped to 65 percent.  It's now grown to 26,678 acres.

U.S. Highway 264 from Highway 64 to Stomper Road near Engelhard is now closed to all non-emergency personnel.

Authorities are monitoring the danger to Stumpy Point and continuously evaluating whether evacuations will be necessary.

--- Previous Story - Stretch Of Highway 264 Reopens ---

ALLIGATOR RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, N.C. - The Dare County Pains Bay wildfire is mostly contained and for the first time since it started, Highway 264 is at least partially open.

Firefighters said they have it about 90 percent contained.

And they are allowing traffic on a 10 mile stretch of Highway 264 for the first time in three weeks. Of course, that will help drivers who have had to go hours out of there way traveling to and from Englehard.

It could be quite some time before things are back to normal.

During daylight hours, cars travelling west on Highway 264 are allowed through, but only with an escort.

That's partially to make sure traffic slows down for the firefighters who are still working near the roads, but it is also because of the dense smoke that can make it difficult to see.

"They've been doing the best they can but the smoke has been getting worse,” said Daniel Midgett, Stumpy Point resident.

Nearby communities like Stumpy Point have been hammered by smoke for the past three weeks.  Fire teams said the smoke is going to continue to be a problem for weeks if not months without rain.

Chris Carlson took Nine On Your Side inside the closed off area. There are still some patches where things are pretty smoky.

“There is just years of buildup of organic material and it is just smolders and continues to smolder until there is enough rain to put it out,” said Chris Carlson. Carlson said the organic soil continues to act as fuel for the smoldering fire. “It gets deep into the ground. There are a couple places out here where the soil is deep four feet eight feet deep and it gets down and keeps burning down in there as far as it can go.

And because the affected area is nearly 40 square miles, fire crews can't reach it all. 

So both fire teams and the people who live there, are hoping for rain. 

"We've gotten used to it over the past few weeks but it's kind of taken a toll on everybody. Everybody's getting kind of tired of it," said Midgett.

“You never know how you when you breathe in something like this it might affect you later,” said Shelby Evans, vacationer.

They plan to extend the hours of travel on Highway 264 in coming days as smoke subsides. If you drive in the area, you should expect to wait up to 30 minutes at check points

--- Previous Story - Air pollution advisory still in effect due to Dare County wildfire ---

ALLIGATOR RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, N.C. -- An air pollution advisory is in effect for the northeastern part of North Carolina on Thursday.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources says that if you live anywhere from Manteo to Elizabeth City and in the northern outer banks the air quality won't be all that great because of the wildfire

If you are sensitive to poor air quality, you are asked to avoid or reduce how long you are outside today.

The wildfire has been burning for two weeks now. Officials say the lightning was the cause. The fire has burned over 25,000 acres and is 80-percent contained.

---Previous Story, Crews work towards complete containment---

ALLIGATOR RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, N.C. – Nearly two weeks after a wildfire sparked in Dare County, crews and still working towards a complete containment of the fire.

It’s burned 25, 678 acres and caused an air quality alert for surrounding areas. Crews say they have maintained 80 percent containment. They say warmed, dryer weather over the next few days will be a major hurdle for firefighters.

Crews are focused on the northern perimeter of the fire and they’re continuing to work on hot pots along U.S. 264. For now that highway remains closed between Stumpy Point and Engelhard.

---Previous Story - UPDATED: Air quality alert issued for parts of N.C. due to wildfire---

ALLIGATOR RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, N.C. – There is an air quality advisory for northeastern areas in North Carolina.

The Division of Air Quality say people living from Manteo to Elizabeth City and in parts of the Outer Banks may experience some unhealthy air quality. Code Orange alerts are in effect for Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Hyde, Pasquotank, Perquimans and Tyrrell counties.

The wildfire in the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge has burned for about two weeks now. Officials told us this week that lightning caused the fire.

---Previous Story - Lightning blamed for cause of fire---

ALLIGATOR RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, N.C. - Investigators tell us they think they know what caused the Pains Bay wildfire that started 11 days ago.

They tell us they found a tree that was clearly struck by lightning. It smoldered and eventually spread into two separate fires.

The fire grew to destroy more than 25,000 acres of forest land.

Crews tell us they have it 80-percent contained and are using irrigation lines to cool the hot spots.

As of Monday, Highway 264 is still closed for about ten miles between Engelhard and Stumpy Point.

---Previous Story - Latest total shows fire getting bigger---

ALLIGATOR RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, N.C. - The latest total from a coastal wildfire that started a about week ago shows it is still getting bigger.

The Pains Bay fire has now burned an estimated 25,678 acres.

A stretch of Highway 264 is still closed due to its proximity to the fire.

The flames started about a week ago and since then the road has been blocked off from Engelhard to Stumpy Point.

Keep in mind that Highway 64 is an alternate route to the Outer Banks that remains open this afternoon.

Fire authorities say there are more than a dozen different local, state, and federal agencies trying to put it out. Fire crews still say the wildfire is more than halfway contained. An air quality alert remains in effect for northeastern portions of our state.

To see the latest air quality alert, click here.

---Previous Story - Air quality still impacted by wildfire ---

ALLIGATOR RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, N.C. -- The Pains Bay wildfire has gotten bigger. Meanwhile, officials continue the investigation into what may have caused it.

Fire crews tell Nine on Your Side the fire has now burned 22,252 acres. We also know that the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources says we may see unhealthy air quality on Thursday.

Fire activity increased on the south end of the wildfire on Wednesday. Firefighters are continuing burn-out operations today to contain the spread of the wildfire. They'll also continue burn-out operations along Lake Worth Road to reinforce containment lines along the northeast corner of the wildfire. The wildfire is smoldering and burning deeply in peat.

The wildfire is 55-percent contained. You also need to be aware that US Highway 264 remains closed between Stumpy Point and Engelhard.

Most counties in eastern North Carolina will continue to carry air quality ratings of Code Orange (unhealthy for sensitive groups) or Code Red (unhealthy for everyone) through Thursday afternoon. With wind forecasts continuing to bring some smoke plume deep inland, the unhealthy air quality alerts may stay posted for later this week.  For a Code Orange air quality rating, sensitive groups include those with asthma or other chronic respiratory conditions, the very old, and the very young - these individuals should seek to minimize smoke exposure and closely monitor their health.

To see the latest air quality alert, click here.

---Previous Story - Wildfire grows to more than 22,000 acres in size---

ALLIGATOR RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, N.C. - Fire officials say the Pains Bay fire is still growing tonight. Fire crews say the fire activity on the south end of the wildfire is increasing. The fire has now burned 22,252 acres on the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge.

Firefighters say the ignited a burn-out along the east side of Pamlico Road and along Lake Worth to contain the fire in those areas. Still fire crews say they have the wildfire 55 percent contained.

They say heavy smoke and fog may increase during the overnight hours due to higher humidity. Highway 264 between Stumpy Point and Engelhard is still closed.

--- Previous Story - Smoke triggers health concerns, Air Quality Alerts across the east---

WASHINGTON, N.C. - "During the night last you could wake up all during the night, smelled like smoke was in the house and everything.  It was pretty bad."

The wildfire continues to rage in Dare County, but it's impacting people all across the east.

Everyone is talking about the wildfire and the smoke that is spreading across the east.

Burnout operations continue as firefighters try to contain the northeast corner of the fire in Dare County.

The official word is the blaze has burned about 21,500 acres so far and it's about 50% contained.

U.S. Highway 264  between Stumpy Point and Wngelhard remains closed.

Air quality alerts are still in effect for counties all across the east.

You can certainly smell the fire further inland now and the health risks are definitely there, especially for those who have poor lung function.

But does it mean you should stay trapped in your home?

The people Nine On Your Side talked with today say not necessarily.

"Soon as we woke up it smelled like something, like, burning in the house," said Laura Flanagan, Bath resident. Flanagan says it was enough to make her husband check to make sure the house wasn't on fire. "As soon as we stuck our heads out you could barely see to the end of our driveway."

Smoke from the Pains Bay wildfire, now more than 50% contained, continues to invade neighboring counties.  

And your lungs as well.

"It really doesn't belong there and for people who aren't use to it, it's just an irritant.  Our lungs aren't made for this," said Mark Bowling, Pulmonary Critical Care Specialist.

But whose lungs are at risk?

Bowling said an average, healthy adult should only see mild irritation, scratch throat and watery eyes. But those already suffering from poor lung function should take caution.

"These folks in particular can really have problems when they get exposed to what we call noxious stimuli, smoke, smells.  It can really set them off and it can have a lot of problems," said Bowling

Kenneth Jarvis lives in Washington and has asthma. He said he's taking his medications and taking the risk, "I've been doing exactly what I do all the time, staying in my yard and working on my plants."

"I think the big problem, obviously are folks that are right out in it, getting massive doses of this smoke.  That can certainly, even in healthy people, case acute respiratory failure," said Bowling.

He said it ultimately comes down to using common sense.

If you have trouble breathing, feel dizzy and already suffer from poor lung functions, go ahead and call your doctor, just to be safe.

These air quality alerts have been extended into tomorrow afternoon.

To see the latest air quality alert, click here.

--- Previous Story - Smoke triggers Air Quality Alerts ---

ALLIGATOR RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, N.C. – As fire crews continue to work to put out the massive Pains Bay Wildfire in Dare County, smoke from the fire will continue to produce zones of poor air quality Wednesday evening through late week.

Most counties in eastern North Carolina will continue to carry air quality ratings of Code Orange (unhealthy for sensitive groups) or Code Red (unhealthy for everyone) through Thursday afternoon. With wind forecasts continuing to bring the smoke plume deep inland, the unhealthy air quality alerts may stay posted for the rest of the week.  For a Code Orange air quality rating, sensitive groups include those with asthma or other chronic respiratory conditions, the very old, and the very young - these individuals should seek to minimize smoke exposure and closely monitor their health.

For Wednesday evening into Thursday, east and northeast breezes will push the some of the greatest concentrations of smoke from southernmost Dare County into portions of Hyde, Beaufort, Pamlico, Craven, Pitt and Carteret Counties.  Generally lighter, but still noticeable and irritating smoke may still affect other counties like Martin, Greene, Lenoir, Jones, Duplin, and Onslow through this period.  The east and northeast breezes should help keep air cleaner for communities near the Albemarle Sound.  Take this forecast under advisement, but please note that smoke concentrations may vary greatly over short distances and time spans.

To see the latest air quality alert, click here.

Fire crews say the Pains Bay Wildfire, which covers an estimated 21, 563 acres, is now halfway contained.  They completed a 571 acre burn-out to protect the Stumpy Point community in the northeast corner. 

Investigators are still trying to determine the cause of the wildfire; they say they aren't able to access the ignition area due to the heat. Authorities have implemented a temporary flight restriction over the area and U. S. Highway 264 between Stumpy Point and Engelhard remains closed.

---Previous Story - Burnout to protect areas around the wildfire completed---

ALLIGATOR RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, N.C. - Fire crews say they've successfully created a burn out to secure one corner of the wildfire. They say the fire is now halfway contained.

They completed a 571 acre burn-out to protect the Stumpy Point community in the northeast corner. Fire authorities say it is now an estimated 21,563 acres.

They are still determining the cause of the wildfire, investigators say they aren't able to access the ignition area due to the heat. Authorities have implemented a temporary flight restriction over the area, and Highway 64 between Stumpy Point and Engelhard remains closed for now.

Heavy smoke is still a problem for people across the east. An air quality advisory for Dare County is still in effect until Wednesday at 3 p.m. Hyde County has also issued an advisory for mainland areas and Ocracoke until Wednesday at 8 a.m.

---Previous Story - Firefighters still battling fire in wildlife refuge---

ALLIGATOR RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, N.C. - A wildfire in parts of Dare and Hyde counties has burned almost 21,000 acres and is only about 40-percent contained.

Fire teams are back out today trying to battle the flames. Helicopters will also be dropping water throughout the day in areas that are still on fire.

Smoke from the fire is also a cause for concern and is even showing up on NASA satellite images.  It has traveled as far west as the Raleigh-Durham area. Officials are urging anyone with breathing problems to remain indoors with the windows closed or to leave the area.

An Air Quality Alert has been issued until 8am Wednesday for most coastal counties south of this wildfire.  The most unhealthy smoke-fill air will be in mainland Hyde County.

Satellite pictures showed thtat the smoke trailed off the coast over the Atlantic Ocean on   Monday.  It's since shifted, blowing more smoke toward the interior part of the state.

At first, fire teams thought lightening was the cause of the fire. That is no longer the case. Arson is being investigated.

---Previous Story - Officials fight fire with fire---

ALLIGATOR RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, N.C. - An air quality alert is up for the six counties closest to the Pains Bay area wildfire in Hyde County.

Firefighters continue to try to contain the blaze which has eaten up thousands of across. The air is so thick with smoke that firefighters had to use a pretty unusual strategy.

They're fighting fire with fire.

It’s a dilemma facing more than 80 firefighters battling the Pains Bay wildfire in Hyde County Monday.

Smoke so dense that even fire engines, their lights flashing, could easily vanish from sight.

But that didn't deter firefighters from devising a plan that would protect the Stumpy Point community. It’s just a few miles away.

The idea is before the fire can actually reach homes in the area, firefighters start their own fire. Only that one is heading toward the original source and once they connect, they cancel each other out.

"The wind pushed it into the wildfire and when the two hit, the fires go out.  It's fighting fire with fire," said Bill Sweet, Southern Area Incident Command.

Sweet said it's done via helicopters that drop ping-pong sized balls which burst into flames upon contact with the ground.

When done right, Sweet said, they help contain the wildfire. "It moved well and it's burning right now into the wildfire."

Nine On Your Side asked Sweet if the fire could have been contained sooner through conventional methods.

But Sweet says coastal winds played a big role in spreading the fire and keeping them from attacking it sooner, “I think we were very successful today and I'd like to think it won't be long before we can call the fire contained."

Sweet said, if the weather permits, the wildfire could be contained as early as the end of the week.

So far the fire hasn't damaged any homes or hurt anyone.

The air quality alert is still in affect for Carteret, Craven, Hyde, Pamlico and Tyrrell counties until 8 o'clock tomorrow morning.

The alert is in affect in Dare County until 3 o’clock tomorrow afternoon.

--- Previous Story - Officials hope burn lines will help contain blaze in wildlife refuge ---

ALLIGATOR RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, N.C. - Firefighters continue to protect homes and businesses in Stumpy Point from a 21,000 acre fire that started in the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge.

Officials at the fire this morning said what happens today will be the deciding factor in how they fight this fire for the rest of the week.

Today, we're seeing a transition of leadership. Officials said the volunteers firefighters that have been working to contain the fire simply cannot volunteer an longer. They have to return to their real jobs.

They say light rains Sunday gave those volunteer firefighters a chance to reestablish some burn-lines that will help contain the fire today.

Or that's what they hope.  They say sea breezes could keep this fire active and dangerous.  So, again, what happens today will reflect throughout the week.

40 engines are being brought in to help with this fire.

And tonight at 6, Nine On Your Side's Alex Freedman will have have more on those and many other factors that play into this fire today.

--- Previous Story - Firefighters still battling Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge blaze ---

ALLIGATOR RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, N.C. - Firefighters are still at work this morning battling the Pains Bay Fire. It's burned about 21,000 acres so far.

Fire officials say the fire has burned 20,954 acres since it started last week. Rain and calmer wind gave firefighters some help on Sunday. 

At least 75 firefighters are working to contain the blaze. It's moved within about three miles of Stumpy Point. That town has a population of about 1,000. The fire has also moved onto the Dare Bomb Range, where the potential danger of unexploded ordinance is being evaluated by the military.

People who live in Beaufort, Carteret, Craven, Dare, Hyde, Jones, Onslow and Pamlico counties are expected to have limited visibility on Monday and are under a smoke advisory. Folks that have respiratory problems are encouraged to stay indoors or leave the area.

Fortunately, no injuries or structure damage have been reported.

Officials say the fire began last Thursday and believe lightning may be to blame.

A 10-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 264 between Stumpy Point and Engelhard is still closed Monday mornng.

Stay with Eyewitness News 9 and WNCT.com for the latest updates on this fire.

---Previous Story - UPDATED: Wildfire burns almost 21,000 acres ---

ALLIGATOR RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, N.C. - Looks like the weather may be impacting a spreading wildfire along the Hyde/Dare County border.

Officials say the fire is mostly active on east and west sides of Hwy 264. It's possible the flames could spread to include up 15, 000 acres by the end of today.

Firefighters and bulldozing equipment have had to pull back because of safety issues. 

The nearby Stumpy Point community still isn’t in the line of danger, so no evacuations have been planned. 

Officials are reassessing their containment strategy and using planes to put out fire. They are currently working to find out the estimated number of acres burned.

We'll bring you the latest information as we learn more.

--- Previous Story - Alligator River wildfire scorches 3,500 acres ---

ALLIGATOR RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, N.C. - A wildfire is raging along Highway 264 and Stomper Expressway right at the Hyde/Dare county line.

Earlier in the day a narrow smoke plume headed straight up in the air. It has since doubled in size. That's partially due to winds moving through.

Bonnie Strawfer with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said the fire was started by lightning. It was first reported Thursday around 3 o'clock.

They guaged the size of the fire by flying over it. When they first flew over the fire Thursday, it was about 2 acres in size. By Friday morning, it was up to  200 acres.  

By early this evening, the fire had consumed more than 3,500 acres.

It jumped Highway 264 earlier today. It's closed for about a 10 mile stretch on the southern side of the fire. That's right next to the The Dare County Air Force Bomb and Gunnery range.

There are still  no evacuations underway at this point.  

There are a lot of different agencies on the scene including Stumpy Point, Roanoke Island, Colington and Mans Harbor  Volunteer Fire Departments and the N.C. Division of Forestry, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as well as Dare County EMS.

On Saturday, a national Type 1 emergency team will be on scene to lend a hand. Officials said the team is coming in from Texas. They've been asked to come in due to the complexity of this fire.

--- Original Story - Highway 264 in Dare County shut down due to wildfire ---

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, N.C. - Authorities are working to get control of a fire burning in Dare County.

A lightning strike is to blame for the fire. That happened around 3 p.m. Thursday on a peninsula between Parched Corn Bay and Pain's Bay.

Officials with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says the lightning started two small fires, which they monitored in the ensuing hours.

They say that so far 1,590 acres have burned.

The fire has jumped Highway 264 and the roadway has been closed.

There are no evacuations underway.

The Stumpy Point Volunteer Fire Department and the N.C. Division of Forestry are assisting the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Nine On Your Side has a crew on the way and they'll bring us more details here online and at 6 on Eyewitness News 9.