Brush Fires Ignite Around Triangle

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.