Single Publication

NEW BERN, N.C., May 13, 2025 – Firefighters on the Black Swamp Fire in the Croatan National Forest have achieved 75% containment. The fire remains 950 acres. An interagency team of 102 personnel are currently assigned to the fire.

The public is reminded to abide by all posted closures keeping firefighter and public safety in mind. 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.

Rainy conditions yesterday and today are helping to suppress the fire. Meanwhile, crews are prepared to continue water operations and road repair, weather allowing. Despite heavy rains, the Black Swamp Fire area overall remains in a drought. Water may still need to be moved from the Great Lake using a series of pumps and earthen dams to submerge the deep layers of organic soils.

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

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.