Black Swamp Fire Update – May 8, 2025

NEW BERN, N.C., May 8, 2025 –Progress continues on the Black Swamp Fire in Croatan National Forest. Containment has increased to 70% of the 950 acre fire thanks to the hard work and effort of our 102 personnel. The USDA Forest Service is working along with North Carolina Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission and the National Park Service to suppress and manage the fire. 

To aid suppression efforts, four pumps are currently operating to submerge the fire.  Crews are also continuing water operations using sprinklers and engines. Crews are also keeping weather shifts in mind should that affect the fire's intensity and direction. Firefighters are monitoring hot spots to ensure the fire does not cross containment lines. 

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