N.C. fire scorches 7,000 acres in Alligator River refuge

Posted to: Environment News North Carolina
Login or register to post comments

By Jennifer Jiggetts
The Virginian-Pilot
© May 7, 2011

STUMPY POINT, N.C.

An uncontrolled forest fire has scorched about 7,000 acres in the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, a spokeswoman said.

Aircraft were used Saturday in efforts to suppress the fire, refuge spokeswoman Bonnie Strawser said.

Wind gusts and humidity forced firefighters to abandon a direct attack on the fire, according to a news release.

The fire has turned back onto itself on the west side of U.S. 264, and is threatening to cross U.S. 264 north of the former crossing sites. The road is closed for a 10-mile stretch between Stumpy Point and Engelhard. It is not expected to reopen in the near future.

Heavy smoke has been reported on Hatteras Island. Changing wind conditions could send the smoke throughout Dare and adjacent counties.

Drivers are asked to be careful on roads where smoke is present.

COMMENTS ADVISORY: Users are solely responsible for opinions they post here; comments do not reflect the views of The Virginian-Pilot or its websites. Users must follow agreed-upon rules: Be civil, be clean, be on topic; don't attack private individuals, other users or classes of people. Read the full rules here.
- Comments are automatically checked for inappropriate language, but readers might find some comments offensive or inaccurate. If you believe a comment violates our rules, click the report violation link below it.

I live a few miles down the

Submitted by trippons on Sat, 05/07/2011 at 9:57 pm.

I live a few miles down the road from the fire. So far havent seen any bears. It is actually quite common to see them around. I have noticed more woodpeckers around my house though. I just hope they can contain this fire before it threatens anyones homes. I have lots of family in the area and have friends in stumpy point.

Bears

Submitted by justmefromnorfolk on Sat, 05/07/2011 at 9:13 pm.

Alligator River is one of the highest concentrations of Black Bear in N.C. It's also home to a couple endangered species, like the Red Cockaded Woodpecker and the Red Wolf. If you live anywhere near there, look out for bears looking for new habitat and food sources!