Rosindale Road

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Rosindale Road Fire ignited around 11:00 a.m. on April 8, 2026, near a residential area off Rosindale Road and N.C. 211, close to the Welches' Creek Gamelands in Bladen County, North Carolina.
Size and Containment: As of the latest reports within the last 72 hours, the fire has burned approximately 748 acres (with some official estimates up to 762 acres) and is currently 75% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: Described as a large grass fire burning in Southern rough fuels, the blaze grew rapidly from an initial 5 acres to over 400 acres within hours. The rapid rate of spread has been driven by extremely dry fuels amid ongoing drought conditions, gusting winds, and heavy fuel loading from downed trees and storm debris left by Hurricane Helene. Current fire behavior is reported as moderate with smoldering.
Containment Efforts: The N.C. Forest Service and local firefighters are actively on the scene. Fire crews from neighboring Columbus County were deployed to assist Bladen County emergency personnel. Crews have used bulldozers to set containment lines around the perimeter. Aircraft were initially called in to assist but were temporarily grounded due to heavy smoke and wind conditions.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: There are currently no mandatory evacuation orders in place.
Evacuation Warnings: While there are no formal evacuation warnings, emergency services urge all residents and citizens to avoid the Rosindale Road area near Council to allow emergency crews to work safely.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: No evacuation shelters have been opened at this time as no evacuations have been ordered.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• There are no major highway closures officially reported, but local traffic on Rosindale Road and near the intersection of N.C. 211 is restricted.
• Residents are advised to avoid non-essential travel in the immediate vicinity of the fire to give firefighters room to operate safely.

For more information, visit:

• N.C. Forest Service
• Bladen County Emergency Services
• Columbus County Emergency Services

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There are no reported injuries or fatalities associated with the Rosindale Road Fire at this time.
Structures Impacted: The fire began near a residential area, but officials confirm it has remained 100% in the woods. There are no reports of structures or homes being destroyed or damaged.
School and Business Closures: No school or business closures have been announced in relation to the fire.
Notable Impacts: The fire produced a massive smoke plume visible for 50 miles from Wilmington to Tabor City. Ash has been reported falling in several surrounding areas, including Whiteville and Cerro Gordo.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: No power outages have been reported in connection with this fire.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns have been reported, but residents should monitor local advisories.
Burn Bans: A strict statewide ban on all open burning is in effect, and all burning permits have been canceled. The National Forests of North Carolina also enacted a forest-wide burn ban on April 15, 2026. Bladen County remains under a local burn ban issued in late March. Enforcement has been heavily ramped up over the last 72 hours, with citations being issued for illegal burning.
Air Quality: Columbus County Emergency Services issued air quality advisories for the area due to heavy smoke and falling ash. Citizens are urged to limit time outdoors in areas affected by smoke, especially those with breathing issues or other health concerns.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: The fire is currently at 75% containment, and crews remain on the scene to monitor and contain hotspots. Officials are keeping a close watch on the fire, as strong winds and dry conditions could allow flare-ups or flying embers to start additional spot fires outside the burned area.
Weather and Wind Warnings: The region is experiencing critical fire weather conditions driven by strong winds and critically low relative humidity, which has dropped as low as 15%. The National Weather Service extended forecast shows no significant precipitation for at least ten days. Higher temperatures and low humidity are expected to increase the fire danger in the coming days.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The exact cause of the Rosindale Road Fire is currently under investigation. Officials are urging farmers and loggers to be cautious, as accidental fires caused by equipment are a significant concern during these dry conditions.
Weather and Climate: The fire's rapid ignition and spread are directly tied to extreme climate factors, specifically an ongoing drought across North Carolina. The combination of ongoing drought conditions, low humidity, gusty winds, and dry surface fuels has created prime wildfire conditions throughout the region.

For more information, visit:

• N.C. Forest Service
• Bladen County Emergency Services
• Columbus County Emergency Services