CADDUGGEN

Please note: While interagency fire tracking systems are monitoring the CADDUGGEN Fire, there are currently no detailed official press releases or emergency declarations from the North Carolina Forest Service or local emergency management. The following situation report is based on available interagency dispatch and tracking data over the last 72 hours.

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The CADDUGGEN Fire was initially reported on May 19, 2026, at approximately 1:22 p.m. in Carteret County, North Carolina. The incident is located approximately 20.4 miles northeast of Beaufort, near the Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge.
Size and Containment: As of May 22, 2026, the fire is estimated at 670 acres and is currently 65% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire is burning in "Southern Rough" fuels, which typically consist of coastal pine forests and dense understory vegetation. Over the last 72 hours, fire behavior has been reported as moderate, with no rapid rate of spread currently observed.
Containment Efforts: The US Fish & Wildlife Service is listed as the responsible agency for the incident. While specific on-the-ground tactical efforts have not been publicly detailed in official press releases, the 65% containment status indicates that crews have made significant progress in establishing and holding perimeter control lines.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: There are no mandatory evacuation orders publicly reported for this fire.
Evacuation Warnings: No evacuation warnings have been issued.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: No emergency evacuation shelters have been opened in relation to this incident, and there is no estimated number of people impacted at this time.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• There are no reported road, school, or infrastructure closures in Carteret County due to the CADDUGGEN Fire.

For more information, visit:

• North Carolina Forest Service
• Carteret County Emergency Services
• North Carolina Department of Public Safety (NCDPS)

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There are no reports of injuries or fatalities associated with this fire.
Structures Impacted: No structures or key infrastructure have been reported as threatened, damaged, or destroyed.
School and Business Closures: No schools or local businesses have reported closures.
Notable Impacts: No notable people, structures, or community landmarks have been reported as impacted.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: There are no power outages reported in connection with this fire.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns have been reported.
Burn Bans: Residents should check with local Carteret County officials for any active fire restrictions or burn bans in their specific area.
Air Quality: While there are no active air quality alerts directly tied to this fire, wildfires in coastal pine forests can produce smoke that travels inland. Residents in the area should monitor local advisories, keep windows closed, and limit outdoor activities if smoke becomes visible or apparent.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: With the fire already at 65% containment and experiencing moderate fire behavior, firefighters are expected to continue monitoring the perimeter and reinforcing containment lines. Full containment is likely to progress steadily given the highly favorable shift in local weather conditions.
Weather and Wind Warnings: There are no Red Flag Warnings currently in effect for Carteret County. The area is experiencing cloudy conditions and light rain, which will further aid suppression and containment efforts.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The cause of the CADDUGGEN Fire is currently undetermined and remains under investigation.
Weather and Climate: The fire ignited during a period of warm, dry conditions typical of the late spring fire season in the Atlantic Coastal Plain. However, current weather in Carteret County has shifted significantly over the last 24 hours. The area is now experiencing cloudy skies with light rain, temperatures in the low-to-mid 70s, and high relative humidity (around 88-90%). These damp conditions and ongoing precipitation are playing a major role in minimizing fire spread and assisting crews in holding containment lines.

For more information, visit:

• North Carolina Forest Service
• Carteret County Emergency Services
• North Carolina Department of Public Safety (NCDPS)