Multiple agencies have contained large woods fire in Duplin County

Multiple Duplin County, Wayne County, and Lenoir County fire departments, as well as the North Carolina Forest Service have contained a large woods fire in the area of Alum Springs road and Red Hill road in the Pleasant Grove community. First Responders and Emergency Crews worked from discovery  of the fire at approximately 3:00 PM, to reaching control and containment at approximately 7:00 PM.  Representatives from the NC Forest Service will remain on the scene and in the area overnight and in the  coming days to monitor the remaining hot spots. These hot spots will continue to produce smoke in the area in the coming days. Officials have determined that the fire affected area is approximately 70 acres.  No structures were involved in the fire, and no injuries have been reported. The cause of the fire is  unknown and remains under investigation by the North Carolina Forest Service. 

Officials thank the community and members of the public for their kind words, support, and for avoiding  the area, which allowed for safe and efficient fire suppression operations. 

Due to extremely dry conditions, along with strong winds and low humidity, outdoor fires continue to be  strongly discouraged until sufficient rainfall is received. In current conditions, outdoor fires may quickly  spread out of control without warning.