Dry Weather, High Temps Aid Area Wildfires

Just west of the Fort Bragg corridor, firefighters are working to put out a blaze that has consumed more than 5,400 acres since it started on June 20.

The Aberdeen and Southern Pines fire departments each sent an engine and a two-person crew, and Pinehurst sent a brush truck and two crew members. The two members from each department will complete their seven-day shift this week and will be replaced, representatives from all departments said.

"Those boys have put in over 100 hours in a week," Aberdeen Fire Chief Phillip Richardson said in the Pilot. "They need a break. A lot of times when you go on an assist call, you hurry up and wait. In this case, they are working real hard."

According to authorities the fire began after a lightning strike and was 70 percent contained near the end of last week. 

To date, 177 personnel, 11 tractor plow units, 28 engines, a water tender, four helicopters and two air tankers have been used to battle the fire.

All three local departments said their normal services will not be affected by lending personnel and equipment.

"It will give our guys some valuable experience when it comes to fighting large fires and being part of a big operation like that," Southern Pines Assistant Fire Chief Mike Cameron told the Pilot. "Plus, you never know when you might need that help in return."

Fire department resources from across the state are in place to protect buildings and other structures and supply water to smaller engines on the fire line.

The personnel and equipment dispatched through State Emergency Management have provided relief to local fire departments. Numerous departments and other agencies have also responded to the call for help.

"On some nights, the smoky scent from one of the fires nearly covers the city," said Fayetteville resident Myron Pitts. "One recent Sunday, I ran errands on Skibo Road and came back east to downtown, and the smell was just as thick in both areas."