HAMPSTEAD – As of 8 a.m., Aug. 11, the Juniper Road Two Fire is estimated to be 2,000 acres in size and at 25% containment after pushing beyond firelines on Wednesday, Aug. 10 and progressing east toward Highway 50. The Juniper Road Two Fire was caused by a lightning strike on Tuesday, Aug. 2, well within the interior of the game lands.
Fire personnel are conducting initial attack operations to reorganize containment lines and catch wind-driven spot over fires. Difficult terrain, changing weather patterns with wind gusts, low relative humidity and high heat index values remain a challenge for firefighting efforts. Currently, the fire remains about two miles west of Highway 50.
There are no structures threatened at this time. The public is being urged to remain vigilant and continue monitoring local news resources. Hazardous road conditions due to smoke may be a factor during the evening and overnight hours.
Operational resources working the fire include a dozen tractor plow units with crewmen, one helicopter, two single engine air tankers, one scout and lead plane and 21 personnel from the N.C. Forest Service.
The public is reminded to keep drones away from wildfires. While drones provide unique opportunities for aerial video and imagery of wildfire activity, they are unauthorized. Flying a drone near or around a wildfire compromises the safety of pilots and interferes with firefighting efforts.