Crews continue to battle wildfire

The Associated Press

COLUMBIA, N.C. - Crews continued building containment lines around a massive wildfire burning in a sparsely inhabited rural area of eastern North Carolina on Monday.

Fire trucks were getting ready in case the fire made a run at a populated area, a spokesman said.

The fire is moving northeast into a section of the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, said spokesman Jody Brady of the North Carolina Forest Service.

About 130 fire trucks from 30 fire departments have gathered at a school in case the fire nears homes.

Brady said the fire wasn't expected to threaten buildings for a couple of days.

As of Sunday evening, the fire had burned 32,556 acres, or more than 50 square miles, since it was started by lightning June 1. Officials say it is 40 percent contained.

The fire has been battled by more than 250 people, mostly from the state forest service and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, which owns the refuge.

An air tanker, three helicopters, a scout plane, 34 pieces of heavy equipment and other vehicles are involved in the effort, which has cost more than $1 million so far.

Gov. Mike Easley declared a state of emergency last week for Hyde, Tyrrell and Washington counties.

Spokesman Bill Swartley of the North Carolina Forest Service said firefighters also plan to pump water from Lake Phelps onto smoldering peat fires burning in the ground.

Health officials have been warning people with breathing problems to stay indoors, away from smoke, or leave the area if possible. Last week, when winds were stronger, smoke could be detected as far away as Richmond, Va.