According to the North Carolina Forest Service, a wildfire near Cane Creek Church Road in Wilkes County is 70% contained as of 10:30 a.m. Wednesday.
The Wilbar Volunteer Fire Department said crews began assisting the McGrady Volunteer Department with the fire around 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 29. The department cited winds and dead timber from Hurricane Helene as obstacles in fighting the flames.
The N.C. Forest Service said it has responded to at least 114 fires since a statewide burn ban went into effect last Saturday.
“Not a single one of the wildfires that have started since Sunday, March 29, were the result of a lightning strike or natural ignition source,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “That leaves most, if not all, of these ignitions as being the result of human activity, reminding us that people are the best defense against wildfire.”
The statewide burn ban remains in effect.