Updated at 2:56 p.m. ET, May 24, 2011
The map of the Pains Bay fire above shows where the fire spotted across the control lines on Monday, indicated by the red squares, which represent heat detected by satellites.
Here is an update on the fire sent out by the incident management team at 11:00 a.m. ET, May 24:
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Firefighters Working Today to Contain Escaped Fire
Firefighters today have begun the process of establishing new containment lines around escaped fire on the north side of the Pains Bay Fire. The fire, which escaped Monday afternoon, burned uncontrolled into the night pushed by winds gusting to 30 mph. By daybreak, the fire had burned approximately 3 miles and crossed two roads. The fire has not crossed U.S. Hwy. 264. Current fire size is estimated at 29,000 acres.
Lack of roads, fast spreading fire, and intense burning of the fire have forced firefighters to establish new control lines far in front of the advancing fire. Helicopters will be used today to drop water in an effort to slow the spread of the fire. Firefighters positioned along new control lines will be preparing for burnouts to remove fuel in front of the advancing fire.
Fire managers, Dare County Emergency Services, and Dare County Sheriffs Department continue to monitor conditions and assess the need for evacuation of the Stumpy Point community. A community meeting is scheduled at Stumpy Point at 6:30 PM today for residents to ask questions about the fire situation and evacuation plans.
Heavy smoke was seen yesterday in Manteo and other communities to the north of the fire. Heavy smoke will continue to affect nearby communities for the foreseeable future. U.S. Hwy. 264 has been closed from U.S. 64 to Stomper Rd. near the Dare-Hyde County line. Only local Stumpy Point residents will be allowed access.
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More information is at Inciweb.
