ROCKINGHAM — Crews had to deal with another wildfire near a major highway this week.
According to County Ranger Brandon Van Buren, the N.C. Forest Service responded to a fire at the corner of U.S. 1 and Fox Road just before 7 p.m. Thursday.
No homes or other structures were damaged in the blaze and crews had it contained by 8:15 p.m. Van Buren said it burned just more than an acre.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
The National Weather Service had issued a special weather statement regarding the increased fire danger because of high winds and low humidity.
Another statement has been issued for Friday:
“The combination of low relative humidity values near 15 to 25 percent, very dry fuels, and wind gusts of up to 35 mph will produce increased fire danger across portions (of) central North Carolina from noon to 6 p.m. Friday.
“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.”
That happened with several fires on Sunday. The cause of the Gum Swamp fire is also still under investigation.
