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Nags Head wildfire caused by humans

Posted at 8:23 AM, Mar 30, 2016
and last updated 2016-03-30 08:25:24-04

Nags Head, NC – The wildfire that burned 242 acres of the Nags Head Woods Preserve in Dare County was caused by humans, the Nature Conservancy announced this week.

The fire began Tuesday, March 22 on the southwest side of the preserve. It took firefighters three days to contain the blaze. Luckily, no people nor structures were harmed during the fire.

The North Carolina Forest Service led the effort, contributing more than 20 staff, a helicopter, a plane and several large pieces of equipment. The Nature Conservancy also brought in staff from Southern Pines, Wilmington, and Virginia to assist.

Additionally, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Air Force, fire departments from Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, Duck, Colington and Manns Harbor along with the Roanoke Island Volunteer Fire Department worked the fire.

Dominion Power cooperated with the effort, shutting down power in the Preserve to all to improve safety for firefighters and the Marshall Tillet family allowed its farm to be used as a staging area. Kelly’s Restaurant and the Outer Banks Brewing Station provided free food for firefighters.

The preserve reopened on Saturday.

The Conservancy is offering a $1,000 reward for information related to the fire. Anyone with information should contact N.C. Forest Service Law Enforcement Supervisor David LaFon at 252-312-4367 or the Dare Community Crimeline at 252-473-3111.