Single Publication

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 2023  

CONTACT:      Philip Jackson, public information officer

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

Last Resort Fire in Tyrrell County remains 48% contained

CRESWELL – Due to more accurate mapping, the Last Resort Fire in Tyrrell County is now 5,293 acres in size and remains 48% contained as of 4 p.m., March 29.

Infrared (IR) flights will continue to evaluate the extent of ground fire as personnel finalize 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. IR drone flights conducted Tuesday night revealed additional hot spots in the southeast fire area near Western Road.  

To protect the organic peat soils, reduce smoke impacts and prevent reburn, irrigation systems are in place and water pumping operations have begun.

Communities between Plymouth, Columbia and Belhaven can expect smoke impacts overnight and into Thursday morning. Significant smoke is possible and may result in challenging travel conditions.

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

Operational resources working the fire include 72 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://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/ncpor-last-resort-fire