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NEW BERN, N.C., May 1, 2025 – The Black Swamp Fire held at 950 acres with 60-percent containment overnight thanks to the ongoing suppression efforts on the Croatan National Forest. 

Eighty personnel from the USDA Forest Service, North Carolina Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission, and the National Park Service are assigned to the fire. 

Wildland firefighters continue to use a variety of methods to combat the flames in the dense, swampy terrain. The objective remains to keep safety first and fight the fire aggressively as the southerly winds and sea breeze drive the fire. Firefighters will continue to soak spot fires and mop up within the containment lines as well as clear snags along Black Swamp Road. High-volume pumps and large sprinklers are drenching the smoldering and highly flammable peat and organic soil. Helicopters are supporting in suppression efforts by dumping between 650 and 800 gallons of water per bucket drop on the flames and cooling pockets of heat. Firefighters are deploying dozers, low ground pressure equipment, and hand tools to reinforce containment lines. Additional equipment and personnel have been ordered.

Closures remain in effect for Black Swamp Road, the Black Swamp OHV area, Great Lake Boating Access Area, Sheep Ridge Wilderness Area, and 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.