A massive fire turned the western sky over Cumberland County an eerie orange Thursday evening, with flames and thick smoke pouring up near the intersection of Stoney Point and Gillis Hill roads. From the air, multiple fire units could be seen surrounding the scene as crews worked the perimeter. Officials said firefighters planned to stay on the ground until the blaze was fully out and that the main fire had been brought under control by late afternoon.
The aerial images came from Sky 5, with WRAL reporting that the fire was under control by about 5 p.m. and that crews would remain in the area to chase down lingering flames. The station's video showed heavy smoke, visible hot spots and firefighters working from the ground near Stoney Point and Gillis Hill roads.
County officials had already tightened the rules on outdoor burning before this incident. A countywide burn ban took effect March 28 because of hazardous fire conditions, canceling most open burning after statewide action by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture. According to Cumberland County Government, that restriction will stay in place until conditions improve and continues to limit most outdoor burning across the county.
Local response and equipment on hand
The Stoney Point Volunteer Fire Department, which covers this part of western Fayetteville, lists brush trucks, tankers and a 500-gallon foam trailer among its apparatus, resources typically brought to bear on large outdoor fires. The Stoney Point Fire Department participates in a mutual-aid network coordinated through the Cumberland County Fire Chiefs Association. The CCFCA notes that foam and DECON trailers are strategically placed around the county to support major emergencies.
What residents should know
Officials did not immediately release any information about the cause of the fire or report any injuries, according to WRAL. People living near Stoney Point and Gillis Hill roads should be prepared for a visible emergency presence and reduced visibility from smoke while firefighters continue overhaul and monitoring operations. Authorities are asking anyone with information that might help the investigation to contact local emergency channels.
