The Pulp Road Fire remains 11,500 acres behind successful and ongoing strategic firing operations, as of 9 a.m., June 17. On the north side of the fire, firefighting crews have used backfiring operations off the existing road system, in conjunction with aerial ignition in the fire’s interior, to reduce the amount of unburned fuels in front of the fire. These operations have brought the fire’s northern edge to the Driving Creek Fire scar.
Shifting from the north side of the fire to the south side of the fire, firefighting personnel will continue strategic firing operations to bring the fire’s edge closer to NC Highway 211. During these operations and to ensure safety for firefighters and travelers, NC Highway 211 may potentially close mid-afternoon and, if closed, could remain closed until further notice. Residents and travelers may want to consider allowing for extra travel time or plan to take alternate routes.
Early in the day, significant smoke is expected for communities in and around Supply and Southport and is expected to shift direction later in the day, impacting Carolina Beach and Bolivia.
The N.C. Forest Service Red Incident Management Team is in-briefing for the incident this afternoonand will begin transitioning to assume command.
The public is reminded to keep drones away from wildfires. While drones provide unique opportunities for aerial video and imagery of wildfire activity, they are unauthorized. Flying a drone near or around a wildfire compromises the safety of pilots and interferes with firefighting efforts.
There are no injuries and no structures threatened at this time.
Due to the wildfire, the Green Swamp Nature Preserve remains closed.
For information updates, visit https://www.ncforestservice.gov/fire_control/sit_report.htm.
