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NEW BERN, N.C., May 3, 2025 – The Black Swamp Fire remains at 950 acres and 60% contained as suppression efforts continue in the Croatan National Forest. 

Over 80 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 supporting response operations, while southerly winds push the fire. 

Heavy equipment groups are continuing to improve containment on No Name and Moccasin Lane Road. Engines are making good progress soaking the flammable organic materials around the perimeter of the fire with the sprinkler system, especially on the north and east lines. Earthen dams will be installed to aid in pumping more water to areas surrounding the fire. Today will be a continuation of yesterday's efforts in improving contingency lines, sprinkler operations, and moving larger quantities of water closer to the fire. 195,000 gallons of water have been dropped on the fire by helicopters, extinguishing pockets of flames. 

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.