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NEW BERN, N.C., May 4, 2025 –The USDA Forest Service has enlisted support from North Carolina Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission and the National Park Service to help manage the Black Swamp Fire in Croatan National Forest. 

Thanks to coordinated efforts, the fire remains at 950 acres with 60 percent containment. More than 80 personnel are now assigned to the incident. 

The Black Swamp Fire is burning on a southeastern pocosin- a boggy wetland full of woody shrubs and peat rich soil. Peat is a buildup of organic materials compressed over thousands of years. When it burns, it can smolder underground for long periods without visible flames, only to flare up when it reaches pockets of vegetation. Unlike most wildfires, peat fires often require extensive soaking to be fully extinguished. 

Yesterday, crews did just that as they continued to flood the area saturating deep layers of peat. Firefighters closely monitored flare ups and reinforced containment lines to ensure the fire stays within control lines.  Suppression efforts included helicopter water drops, sprinklers, earthen dams and pumps. Rain showers today and throughout the week are also expected to aid in drenching smoldering soil. 

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