Crews work to put out fire spread across 2,000 acres in eastern NC

A fire on Juniper Road in Pender County is estimated to have burned across 2,000 acres.

The fire was caused by a lightning strike on Aug. 2, according to county officials. As of Thursday morning, the fire was 25% contained.

Fire officials said that they are struggling to put out the fire due to "difficult terrain, changing weather patterns with wind gusts, low relative humidity and high heat index values."

Pender County, which is north of New Hanover County, is abnormally dry for this time of year, according to a drought conditions map from the state.

The good news is that rain is expected on Thursday and Friday for eastern North Carolina.

There are no structures in the area threatened by the fire, according to county leaders.

"Hazardous road conditions due to smoke may be a factor during the evening and overnight hours," Pender County authorities wrote on Facebook.

A helicopter and single-engine air tanker, plus a plane are helping assist with the fire.