ROCKINGHAM — Fires continued across Richmond County this week, including one reported along U.S. 1 on Thursday at 6:54 p.m.
According to Assistant County Ranger Adam Lovin, crews responding to the scene determined the fire was a large woods fire burning approximately 3.5 acres.
“No homes or structures were damaged. Everything was protected and we’re currently still monitoring it,” said Lovin.
Lovin said the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The fire is one of several reported across the county over the past week. On Sunday, a fire occurred behind the Rockingham Speedway on Cognac Road after a prescribed burn crossed containment lines. Additional prescribed burns on McBride Road and Derby Road also escaped containment, according to officials.
Fires were also reported in the southeastern part of the county between Marks Creek Church Road and Gum Swamp Road, where two fires burned a combined 225 acres. Last Wednesday on the west side of Hamlet, officials reported a vehicle was driven while dragging a trailer without a tire along Freeman Mill Road and Battley Dairy Road. Authorities said the exposed rim sent sparks onto the roadway, resulting in 10 fires — five on Freeman Mill Road and five on Battley Dairy Road.
Due to ongoing conditions, the National Weather Service issued a special weather statement for Friday, urging residents to refrain from burning because of high winds and low humidity.
“Outdoor burning is discouraged. Please consult your local burn permitting authorities as to whether burning is allowed. If you must burn, use extreme caution, as fires can spread rapidly under these conditions.”
Primary fire season typically occurs in late winter and early spring, running from Feb. 1 through May 1. A second fire season takes place in the fall from Sept. 15 through Dec. 15.