Craven County Government received the following update from Lia Parker, the Great Lake Fire Public Information Officer with the United States Forest Service regarding the Great Lake Fire in the Croatan National Forest.

The Great Lake Fire burning in the Croatan National Forest remains at 35,000 acres with 10% containment. David Nelson, Deputy Incident Commander with the US Forest Service issued an update this morning.   Nelson’s briefing indicated progress was made yesterday with the eastern flank. The main pressure for today is strong south and southeasterly winds.  The fire is anticipated to exit the Croatan National Forest today to the north near the Craven County and Jones County line. 

The US Forest Service is working closely with partners such as Weyerhaeuser Corporation and the NC Forest Service.  Assets are in place to make efforts to get in front of the fire to stop its forward progression onto private land.

The US Forest Service Incident Team is closely monitoring the fire and its progression.   No evacuations are planned for Craven County at this time.

US Forest Service staff are also working closely with the National Weather Service due to severe weather being predicted for today.  High winds and precipitation are expected.

Firefighters from the US Forest Service, North Carolina Forest Service, and Craven County fire departments will be working along highways and roadways. Citizens are urged to avoid traveling near the area of the wildfire and through areas of dense smoke.  Drivers should proceed with extra caution where firefighters are operating, especially along US Highways 17 and 70.