The Quarry Road Fire in Brunswick County, North Carolina, has been declared 100% contained after burning approximately 283 acres, according to the North Carolina Forest Service.
Fire officials confirmed that the wildfire no longer poses an escape risk and that active firefighting operations have concluded. The fire was first reported on July 10 and, at its peak, required personnel and equipment from six counties, along with aerial resources and heavy machinery to contain the blaze.
Several buildings and vehicles were damaged or destroyed during the incident, and hundreds of residents were temporarily evacuated as firefighters worked to prevent the wildfire from spreading further.
Following a detailed investigation, officials now believe the fire likely originated from a lightning strike on May 28. The lightning is believed to have ignited underground peat, also known as duff, allowing the fire to smolder unnoticed for weeks before surfacing.
Authorities explained that holdover fires can continue burning beneath the ground without visible flames, especially during prolonged drought conditions. Dry vegetation and a lack of significant rainfall created ideal conditions for the underground fire to spread before emerging.
Although the Quarry Road Fire has now been fully contained, fire officials continue urging residents to exercise caution as drought conditions persist across portions of southeastern North Carolina, where wildfire danger remains elevated.
Quick Facts
Location: Brunswick County, North Carolina
Fire Name: Quarry Road Fire
Size: 283 acres
Containment: 100%
Cause: Suspected holdover lightning strike
Structures Impacted: Several buildings and vehicles damaged
Evacuations: Hundreds of residents were temporarily evacuated
Status: Fully contained