North Carolina man Bobby Max Lowery faces charges for an unsupervised debris fire that sparked the Sunset Road Fire.
BRUNSWICK COUNTY, N.C. — One man from North Carolina has been charged in connection with the Sunset Road Fire in Boiling Spring Lakes, according to the North Carolina Forest Service.
The wildfire is 1,331 acres in size and 83% contained as of Monday evening.
Officials say the fire started on May 2 but was caused by a debris burn that took place on April 25 on private property.
Bobby Max Lowery, 48, of Nebo, North Carolina, was charged under state law for setting an unsupervised debris fire that spread and endangered property.
Dry weather and thick brush in the area helped the fire spread quickly, according to the North Carolina Forest Service. Officials say the forest floor in that area contains organic soil that can hold fire underground, making it harder to control. A passing cold front contributed to the extreme fire behavior as the fire continued to spread on May 3.
On May 11, about 2.75 inches of rain fell over the fire zone. The North Carolina Forest Service says the rain helped slow the fire but left conditions too muddy for crews to fully resume work.
A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains in effect over the fire area, up to 3,000 feet.
