Dry, windy conditions feed brush fires

In southern Durham County, a fire charred 15 acres near the intersection of Scott King and Herndon roads. At one point, flames were 30 feet high, witnesses said.

About 35 firefighters from three fire departments battled the fire for about three hours before bringing it under control at about 4 p.m. Plows from the state Division of Forest Resources also helped contain the fire, officials said.

Mark Holland, division chief for the Parkwood Fire Department, said firefighters were initially worried the fire would jump a road and endanger nearby homes. So, the department called in aid from the Durham and Morrisville fire departments.

The wind changed direction Tuesday afternoon, so the homes were no longer in danger.

The fire was the second of the day for Morrisville firefighters. On Tuesday morning, they fought a five-acre blaze near the intersection of Kit Creek Road and Davis Drive. At one time, the flames were 10 feet high.

Firefighters contained the fire by 1:45 p.m.

Early Tuesday morning, a brush fire in Johnston County rekindled after firefighters doused it Monday. Crews brought in a plow and expanded the fire line off Daughtry Road near Smithfield.