Eastern NC Fire Mostly Contained

Fire activity on the Whipping Creek Road Fire of Hyde and Dare counties in Eastern NC has been declining for several days.  Infrared flights have shown few hotspots; those spots have been dealt with individually and directly by water drops and hand crews.  Since the fire complexity and activity level have decreased, the need for resources, including both people and equipment, has also declined.  As a result, state teams are being replaced by local units.  With the forecast weather of rain and low wind, the fire is not expected to increase in size from its current 15,453 acres.  However, firefighters will take no chances and will continue to monitor and mop-up until infrared flights indicate there is no heat at all.  Current containment is almost 80 percent.