Single Publication

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, MARCH 28, 2023  

CONTACT:    Philip Jackson, public information officer

                        N.C. Forest Service

                        919-857-4828 or philip.jackson@ncagr.gov

Last Resort Fire now 5,384 acres in size and 48% contained

CRESWELL – The Last Resort Fire in Tyrrell County is now 5,384 acres in size and 48% contained as of 4 p.m., March 28.

Overnight infrared (IR) drone flights revealed significant heat in the fire area. IR flights will continue to evaluate the extent of ground fire as personnel develop a plan to utilize nearby fresh water sources to minimize loss of organic soil. Both fire and salt water will destroy peat soils. Protecting pocosins is foundational to healthy ecological and human communities.   

To protect the organic peat soils, reduce smoke impacts and prevent reburn, irrigation systems are being staged for water pumping operations to begin in the coming days.

Significant smoke is possible and may result in tedious travel conditions. Communities southeast of the fire near Greenville, Beaufort and Little Washington can expect smoke impacts overnight. Communities south of the fire area near Belhaven, Pantego, Fairfield and Swan Quarter can expect smoke impacts early Wednesday morning.

In the interest of safety, residents and commuters may want to consider allowing for extra travel time or plan to take alternate routes. Overnight, a combination of smoke and fog could lead to low visibility in some areas.

Those commuting Wednesday morning should remain alert and attentive to signage. Road closures may be implemented as needed.

Operational resources working the fire include 67 personnel from the N.C. Forest Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

There are no injuries and no structures threatened at this time. The cause of the fire was determined to be a debris burn on private land that escaped containment.

A temporary flight restriction (TFR) has been issued for the Last Resort Fire. The TFR restricts all civilian aircraft, manned and unmanned, within 5 miles of the fire. The flight restriction remains in place until aviation support is no longer needed.

For information updates, visit https://www.ncforestservice.gov/fire_control/sit_report.htm.