Fire in Cumberland County grows to 900 acres in multi-day battle against flames

The Vander Fire department noticed the fire Sunday and quickly realized they needed assistance from the North Carolina Forest Service. About 40 firefighters from four different fire departments are involved in working to contain the blaze.

Video shows wind-whipped flames blowing through the wooded area off the highway near the Beaver Dam area. Heavy smoke can be seen filling the sky, and the fire that was reported as 600 acres has quickly grown to more than 900 acres.

Firefighters have created a command post at Jessups Pond. Firefighters from Beaver Dam, Vander and the State Forest Service are using plows and water buckets from a helicopter to help get the fire under control.

Firefighters are facing two major problems. First, there are plenty of dry woods providing fuel for the fire. Secondly, the terrain is rough, which makes it difficult for firefighters to get equipment in place to cut fire lines.

After four days, they say the fire is about 60% under control.

The good news is there are no homes or other structures in the path of the fire. Firefighters say they hope the area gets some rain – in any amount – to help slow the fire down.