Single Publication

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

Acres: 36,000                        
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 remains at 36,000 acres and is 30% contained. The Southern Area Red Team entered into unified command with the North Carolina Forest Service and the U.S. Forest Service yesterday evening.

With the rainfall Saturday and mild weather Sunday, fire activity was reduced yesterday which helped firefighters conduct planned fire break construction.

Travelers on highways adjacent to the fire area should proceed with caution, especially on highways 17 and 70 where firefighters are operating. Expect smoke in the area, particularly in the mornings and evenings. Please be mindful of road closures in the fire area for your safety and the safety of firefighters.

Operations:
Firefighters will continue to improve fireline around the main fire and a spot fire near Brice Creek and will create fireline on the west and northwest of the fire between Weyerhaeuser and U.S. Forest Service property. The eastern perimeter of the fire will be patrolled and monitored with engines and helicopters. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place over the fire area, information can be found at Federal Aviation Administration website.  

Weather and Fire Behavior:
Today’s weather is mostly cloudy with a few sprinkles possible in the morning. High temperatures today will be around 70 degrees with winds out of the North at 5 to 8 mph. There is potential for the fire behavior to increase this afternoon when pockets of clear sky appear.