Single Publication

Great Lakes Fire Evening Update, Mon., April 24, 2023

Acres: 32,400                        
Cause: Under Investigation                
Containment: 30%                    
Total Personnel: 245
Start Date: April 19, 2023
Location: Croatan National Forest
Fuels: Pocosin and mixed pine

Highlights:
The Great Lakes Fire on Croatan National Forest is 32,400 acres in size and 30% contained. More accurate acreage data was obtained based on flight reconnaissance measurements.

Cloud cover and mild weather conditions kept fire behavior to a minimum.

Travelers on highways adjacent to the fire area should continue to proceed with caution, especially on highways 17 and 70 where firefighters are operating. Smoke could linger in the area, particularly in the mornings and evenings. Road closures related to the wildfire can be found by searching under Craven County on DriveNC.gov.

Operations:
Firefighters continued to improve and create additional firelines around the main fire. Crews constructed firelines around the spot fire located near Brice Creek and continue to mop up remaining smoldering pockets within the interior. Firelines were reinforced on the west and northwest sides of the fire between Weyerhaeuser timber lands and U.S. Forest Service property. The eastern perimeter of the fire was patrolled with engine equipment and aircraft but no significant heat was found along the boundary. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains in place over the fire area; information can be found at Federal Aviation Administration website.

Weather and Fire Behavior:
Today’s weather stayed mostly cloudy with sparse rain scattered throughout the day. Cooler temperatures and light winds supported mild fire behavior, however some areas in the interior continue to smolder.