The fire was reported in the Stuart Ridge area of Cramerton.
GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — Firefighters from across Gaston County are battling a large woods fire in the Stuart Ridge area of Cramerton, authorities reported Monday.
Officials described the situation as “a very active incident” and are urging the public to avoid the area while emergency crews work to contain the blaze.
Multiple agencies have responded to the scene, including the Cramerton Fire Department, Community Fire Department, Belmont Fire Department, Ranlo Fire Department, New Hope Fire Department, Lowell Fire Department, Union Road Fire Department and South Point Fire Department.
The North Carolina Forest Service and Gaston County Office of Emergency Management and Fire Services are also assisting with firefighting efforts.
Authorities have not yet provided information about the fire’s cause, its size or whether any structures are threatened. No injuries have been reported.
Wildfires have raged across the Carolinas in the first days of March. Strong winds and drought conditions are among the various contributing factors to fire danger across the area.Â
“This is our windy season, especially in March and April, which leads to gusty winds similar to California’s Santa Ana winds,” WCNC Weather Impact Meteorologist Chris Mulcahy explained during special coverage on WCNC+. “Temperature fluctuations and frequent fronts contribute to severe weather and a gusty environment.”
According to North Carolina State’s fire danger map, many counties across the Carolinas are under high to extreme fire danger. Mulcahy advised residents to be cautious, as even small sparks, such as those from a dragging trailer chain, can ignite widespread fires.
Currently, 82% of South Carolina is experiencing abnormally dry conditions, with 4% of North Carolina under severe drought. Without significant rainfall, the situation is expected to worsen. Although there are rain chances over the next week, Mulcahy emphasizes the need for more consistent rainfall to alleviate the drought.
The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has issued an elevated fire danger warning for the North Carolina mountains, extending into Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia. Mulcahy highlights the importance of safety measures, such as clearing debris from lawn mowers and farm equipment and avoiding storing firewood under decks.
This is a developing situation.
