CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Camp Lejeune Fire Department and Base Forestry personnel continue to battle a wildfire that originated in the northwestern end of the Greater Sandy Run Training Area along Highway 50 last Monday. The fire has gradually burned through nearly 1,300 acres of dense, inaccessible vegetation and is currently 50% contained.
The base team has completed widening fire plow lines and have emplaced two 3,000-gallon water fill tanks in wooded areas to support extinguishment efforts. They are currently receiving assistance from the Haws Run Volunteer Fire Department.
"Winds are currently pushing smoke toward the base, so we are expecting reduced visibility along Highway 17 early this week," said Fire Chief Alex Rivera. "While we anticipate the wind direction to shift later in the week, commuters could potentially experience these conditions for a longer period of time."
The North Carolina Department of Transportation is placing warning signs along affected roadways to alert motorists of potential smoke hazards and low visibility.
Additional updates on the fire will be provided as they become available.