ROCKINGHAM — The N.C. Forest Service is conducting a “burn-off” operation behind Richmond Plaza to mitigate an area that has seen several wildfires in recent years.
County Ranger Brandon Van Buren said crews were called out to a fire between Broad Avenue and County Home Road just before 5 p.m. Friday.
The ranger said he was “pretty confident” it was caused by individuals from the city’s homeless population.
According to the NCFS Public Wildfire Viewer, the fire is contained at 5 acres.
This is the third fire in that area within the past two years, according to Van Buren.
As of 7 p.m., the fire was essentially a controlled burn. Van Buren said crews will be keeping an eye on it throughout the night.
The Rockingham Fire Department also responded to a woods fire nearby, behind Browder Park, according to Chief Harold Isler.
The NCFS responded to wildfire in mid-December — behind the shopping center that includes Harbor Freight, Ollie’s Bargain Outlet and Los Mariachis — that Van Buren said was caused by the homeless.
At that time, Van Buren estimated that 40% of the wildfires in Richmond County in 2025 had been caused by the homeless, mostly in the East Rockingham area.
