The North Carolina Forest Service and multiple area fire departments continued efforts early July 11 to contain a wildfire burning near Old Georgetown Road and Hale Swamp Road in the Shallotte area of Brunswick County.
Fire growth and containment
According to the N.C. Forest Service wildfire tracker, the blaze was estimated at about 50 acres at 9 p.m. July 10 and expanded to approximately 300 acres an hour later. As winds subsided, crews made progress and the incident tracker showed roughly 60% containment later that night. Firefighters and forest service personnel focused on establishing fire lines around the active perimeter.
Local impacts: roads, evacuations and smoke
Heavy smoke from the fire has reduced visibility across parts of the area and is expected to linger for some time. Law enforcement implemented evacuation actions, with officers conducting door-to-door notifications for some residences. An overall count of homes or people evacuated was not available early July 11.
- Injuries: One minor injury was reported — a firefighter treated on scene.
- Structures: Officials estimate a few structures were damaged; details on the types of structures were not yet confirmed.
- Shelter: The American Red Cross opened a shelter at the BSRI Brunswick Center at Shallotte (Senior Center), accepting domestic animals in kennels or crates.
Road closures
By midnight on July 11, county and sheriff's office posts listed several road closures in the vicinity of the fire. Motorists should avoid the area and follow law enforcement directions.
| Road | Status |
|---|---|
| Village Point Road | Closed |
| Bricklanding Roundabout (southbound) | Closed |
| Bay Road at Todd Road | Closed |
| Todd Road (northbound from Bricklanding to Village Point Road) | Closed |
| Hale Swamp Road before Old Georgetown Road | Closed |
| Old Georgetown Road at Ocean Isle Beach Road | Closed |
Where residents can seek help
The Red Cross shelter is operating at the BSRI Brunswick Center at Shallotte, located at 3620 Express. Individuals ordered to evacuate — and those choosing to leave voluntarily — may use the shelter. Pets are allowed only if kept in a kennel or crate.
Fire officials emphasized that containment work continued on the morning of July 11 and that heavy smoke will remain a hazard for residents and drivers in surrounding areas. Authorities advised people to avoid the affected roads, heed evacuation orders, and monitor official Brunswick County and N.C. Forest Service updates for changing conditions.
The incident remains under active management by the N.C. Forest Service and local fire departments; more detailed assessments of structure damage and the number of evacuees were pending as crews continued suppression and containment operations.
