Residents near the Onslow and Pender county line in North Carolina are being evacuated on a voluntary basis as a wildfire spreads.
As of Thursday, the fire has burned 20,000 acres.
Fire officials said the wildfire started last weekend in Pender County’s Holly Shelter Game Land, probably by a lightning strike.
Residents of about 40 homes are being advised to evacuate in an area north of Holly Ridge and along the west side of U.S. 17 into Pender County. Emergency shelters have opened at Southwest Middle and Topsail Elementary schools.
Some roads may be closed because of smoke and limited visibility.
Air quality has been reduced by the smoke. People with lung problems have been advised to avoid outdoor exertion.
Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Wildfire North Carolina
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