Soundside Fire on Alligator River Refuge Reaches 100 Acres
At approximately 4:30 pm yesterday, smoke was reported on the sound shore north of Point Peter Road and south of Callahan’s Creek on Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge.
Refuge and NC Forest Service personnel responded to the report; however, the dangers associated with continued storm activity required we pull firefighters from the field at approximately 5:30 pm. At that time, the Soundside Fire was estimated to be approximately 20 acres in size and located near the shoreline of Croatan Sound.
This morning (May 20), a Unified Command was established with US Fish and Wildlife Service Incident Commander Ed Christopher and NC Forest Service Incident Commander John Cook in leadership.
Soundside Fire on Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge from US Highway 64 on May 18 at approximately 5pm. (photo by Helen Czernick)
The Incident Commanders were able to walk to the fire location this morning from the sound shore. Although there was no visible smoke, “areas of heat” were observed.
USFWS Incident Commander Ed Christopher said, “The rain overnight helped a lot. But, there are some areas of heat on the edges of the fire. We’ll be building line around the fire and reinforcing that line as our ‘insurance policy’ to make sure this fire doesn’t move.”
Currently, there are two flextracks and three marshmasters working the fire. The NC Forest Service plane out of Kinston is providing aerial support. There are 16 people working the incident.
The Soundside Fire is currently approximately 100 acres and 25% contained.
Wind is forecast to be north/northeast today but shifting overnight.
Soundside fire on Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, taken from west of Wanchese on May 18 at approximately 5pm. (photo by Frankie Powers)
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