A wildfire on the Dare County mainland has burned more than 500 acres at the Navy’s Bombing Range near Stumpy Point, but rain forecast for overnight may help firefighters get the blaze further under control.
The Jackson Road Fire was 40 percent contained, according to an update posted at 8:50 a.m. on the N.C. Forest Service’s situation page.
“Things are looking better. We’re getting good containment around it. Rain coming tonight is going to be a big help,” said N.C. Forest Service incident commander John Cook.
There have been reports of a strong smoke odor on Roanoke Island and elsewhere, but northeasterly winds should keep smoke levels to a minimum along the Outer Banks.
Areas south of the bombing range in Dare and Hyde counties, and especially travelers along U.S. 264, may experience smoky conditions.
A recent lack of rain has the region once again moving towards drought conditions after a mostly dry February. Northeastern North Carolina area experienced severe drought conditions through much of December.
This is a developing story, stay with OBX Today for updates.
