A Four Oaks woman says a dropped cigarette caused a grass fire that threatened multiple homes and outbuildings.
According to Sharon Farrell, the fire started around 3 p.m. Tuesday. Farrell’s daughter had just stopped by for a visit when she saw a passing driver on Stewart Road flick a cigarette out the window.
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“I saw just the smallest tendril of smoke going up, and I knew,” said Farrell.
According to Farrell, the fire quickly spread across the lawn, coming close to claiming multiple houses and outbuildings. Farrell’s daughter called 911, while Farrell did her best to hold off the flames.
“I was out there like the old witch with a broom, keeping it from coming toward the house more,” said Farrell.
It took the combined efforts of the Strickland’s Crossroads and Blackmon’s Crossroads fire departments to put the flames out.
“Me, my granddaughter and my daughter's mother-in-law could have been out of a home that fast just because of somebody being careless,” said Farrell.
The fire was fueled by strong winds and dry conditions. The US Drought Monitor indicates that much of North Carolina, including Four Oaks, is either abnormally dry or experiencing moderate drought.
“We’re looking at a rainfall deficit since Dec. 1 of over two inches,” said WRAL Meteorologist Mike Maze. “All it takes is for someone to be careless with flame, and it starts a fire. And we’re likely to see the fire danger increase if we don’t get substantial rain [with upcoming cold fronts].”
Even without the drought, discarded cigarette butts pose a significant hazard.
In 2007, a cigarette tossed into pine straw caused one of Raleigh’s worst fires, destroying the Pine Knoll Townes complex, causing millions of dollars in damage.
“I just want people to be more careful. If it doesn't affect them, they don't even think about things you know,” said Sharon Farrell.