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9:56 a.m. • 2-12-12

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  • Today: Clear.
    • Hi: 41° F
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    • Hi: 50° F
  • Tue: Rain.
    • Hi: 53° F

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Brush Fires Ignite Around Triangle


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brush fire
brush fire

Dry weather conditions sparked several brush fires in the area Tuesday but none seemed to pose an immediate risk, authorities said.

In Cary, a fire started near N.C. Highway 55 off Green Level Church Road and moved toward Highcroft subdivision nearby.

"We were pretty much worried because there is completely a six mile stretch of woods in our backyard and a lot of the grass is pretty dried out," said Lalit Mahadeshwar, a Cary homeowner.

Eight fire departments and 65 firefighters were called out to battle the brush fire.

"When we have embers and ash and it's as dry as it has been, it can take a few embers and then we do have a fire in an area we don't expect it," said Jack Frazier, Cary Fire Department.

The brush fire burned 50 acres before being brought under control Tuesday night. Cary spokeswoman Susan Moran said no residences were affected by the blaze.

"When the winds pick up, naturally it causes the fire to travel faster and make it harder for us to get a head of it," said Frazier.

Firefighters continue to monitor the area for potential flare-ups.

In Orange County, firefighters battled a brush fire that began about 1 p.m. in a cornfield between Ben Wilson and Hebron Church roads.

Crews used helicopters and planes to drop water on the fire. It was contained before causing any significant damage.

Earlier Tuesday, a fire that started in the Blackwood Division of Duke Forest in Orange County burned two acres of land after a tree fell on a power line.

It took firefighters about an hour to extinguish. No one was injured.

In Durham, a shed fire spread to the 2700 block of Umstead Road, according to Durham County emergency dispatch.

In Fuquay Varina, firefighters battled a brush fire near the 6800 block of Dwight Roland Road. No structures were threatened and there were no evacuations ordered. The brush fire was brought under control Tuesday night, but firefighters are still monitoring hot-spots.

Firefighters from Sampson, Pender, Wayne, and Duplin counties continue to battle a brush fire between Magnolia and Kenansville that has scorched 600 acres. The fire spread to two houses Tuesday night and a dozen other structures could be in jeopardy.

 More than 250 brush fires have been reported across the state this year.

  • Reporter:
  • Photographer: Anthony Shepherd
  • Web Editor: Minnie Bridgers

RELATED TOPICS: Orange County, Durham County, Cary, Durham, Wildfire, Fuquay-Varina

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12 Comments


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We live across the road from where the Hebron Church Rd/Scott farm fire burned and we are very thankful for so many good and dedicated people willing to do battle with fire and other emergencies. Specifically, thank you to the firefighters, first responders, emergency units, forestry dept (bulldozers, helicopter and air support) and the "angels" who brought snacks and drinks out to Hebron Church rd yesterday and for those keeping watch today as well. Our prayers are with you all and our neighbors who have suffered through this frightening event and the losses it caused. It is sad that so much corn and hay was lost, but things could have been so much worse. There are still hot spots and continue to have flareups as well...let's pray that we get some rain soon!

Wolfpack jack- these fires started in the middle of fields and in the woods- Yes you are correct about throwing cigs out of car windows- it's just not the case in this instense. I have seen them start from lawnmowers- farm equipment and yes spontanious combustion- so please keep your anti smoking sentiment to yourself! And worse you are a pack fan- I figured you from Chapel hill or Carrboro.

Thanks con amor, I'm just voicing my concern over the potential of even more fires if people keep throwing their cigarettes out their windows.

is there enough water to put the fires out?

I saw a bunch of fire trucks out this morning and empty fire stations with cops posted at them. I've heard more sirens since I've been at work.

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