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NEW BERN, N.C., May 11, 2025 – Firefighters continue to hold the Black Swamp Fire in Croatan National Forest at 950 acres, with containment at 70%. The USDA Forest Service is working in close partnership with state and federal agencies, including the North Carolina Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission and the National Park Service. An interagency team of 94 personnel are currently assigned to the fire.

Today, crews will monitor weather conditions as they safely and effectively suppress and monitor the fire. The incoming rain will aid firefighters in saturating the pocosin soil from the top and raising the water levels underground. Sprinklers, engines, and pumps are being used to move water to help suppress the fire. As weather permits, heavy equipment will be utilized to improve ditches to redirect and hold water in the fire area and create a fuel break along Long Lake Road. Crews continue working to improve roads for better firefighter and equipment access on No Name Road.

Closures remain in effect for Black Swamp Road, the Black Swamp OHV area, Great Lake Boating Access Area and Sheep Ridge Wilderness Area, as well as portions of Great Lake Road, Seaborn Road and Holston Hunter Road.

Smoke from the fire can cause limited visibility and may impact local air quality. Please drive slowly and use caution on roads where smoke may be settling. Check for air quality alerts at https://airquality.climate.ncsu.edu/ or https://fire.airnow.gov. For the latest wildfire updates, follow the National Forests in North Carolina on Facebook at U.S. Forest Service - National Forests in North Carolina or visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/northcarolina