Black Swamp Daily Update - May 10, 2025

NEW BERN, N.C., May 10, 2025 – The Black Swamp on the Croatan National Forest remains at 950 acres, with containment at 70%. The USDA Forest Service continues working in close partnership with state and federal agencies, including the North Carolina Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission and the National Park Service. An interagency team of 94 personnel are currently assigned to the fire. 

Today, crews will continue working to use the right tools in the right places. Sprinklers, engines, and pumps are being used to deliver additional water to help suppress the fire. In areas where more water is needed, heavy equipment is being used to improve ditches for the transport of water. Additionally, crews are working to improve roads for better firefighter and equipment access on No Name Road. Infrared flights are being used to track fire activity, while crews continue improving road access to critical fire areas.

Closures remain in effect for Black Swamp Road, the Black Swamp OHV area, Great Lake Boating Access Area and Sheep Ridge Wilderness Area, as well as portions of Great Lake Road, Seaborn Road and Holston Hunter Road.

Smoke from the fire can cause limited visibility and may impact local air quality. Please drive slowly and use caution on roads where smoke may be settling. Check for air quality alerts at https://airquality.climate.ncsu.edu/ or https://fire.airnow.gov. For the latest wildfire updates, follow the National Forests in North Carolina on Facebook at U.S. Forest Service - National Forests in North Carolina or visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/northcarolina