Black Swamp Fire Daily Update - May 9, 2025

NEW BERN, N.C., May 9, 2025 – Firefighters continue to hold the Black Swamp Fire in Croatan National Forest at 950 acres, with containment at 70%. The USDA Forest Service is 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.

Crews are clearing brush and debris from contingency lines as an added precaution in case any flames escape containment lines. Infrared imagery that detects heat from the peat burning underground is being used to track fire activity. Crews continue improving roads to better access critical fire areas. Sprinklers, engines, and pumps are being used to deliver additional water to help suppress the fire. Currently, four pumps are in place and pumping over 57 million gallons of water per day towards the fire area.

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