Black Swamp Fire Update – May 7, 2025
NEW BERN, N.C., May 7, 2025 – The USDA Forest Service and its partners report steady progress on the Black Swamp Fire in Croatan National Forest. The fire is holding at 950 acres and is 60% contained. Partnering agencies including North Carolina Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission and the National Park Service to help manage the fire. 103 personnel are actively working on the fire.
Crews continued mop up on Moccasin Lane and Black Swamp Road, and sprinkler operations around the perimeter of the fire. There are currently three pumps installed to carry water from Great Lake closer to the fire to aid in suppression. More pumps will be added within the next few days. Firefighting personnel will keep repairing Moccasin Lane which will allow crews to move easily through the soft ground with less impact.
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. Please drive cautiously on Catfish Lake Road due to increased emergency vehicle traffic.
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
