The MOTSU burn team completed their prescribed burning in the area on Wednesday, March 25th, 2026. Just like last year, we are experiencing lingering smoke conditions following the prescribed burn as the top layer of organic matter continues to burn even though you may not see flames. Furthermore, due to the humidity and wind conditions, the smoke has been hanging low and blowing towards the residential area over the last several days. The next 7 days forecast also shows dry conditions, mixed with wind that will bring smoke into the residential areas.
Although the MOTSU burn team is no longer staffing the fire, the Kure Beach Fire Department will continue to monitor all areas. We routinely ride within the buffer zone to ensure that all remaining fire is within the original burn perimeter. We have been advised that as long as it is within the original burn perimeter, to leave it burning. If we come upon an area that looks like an issue or one that has a potential to cross a fire lane, then we have taken additional measures.
As a reminder, the prescribed burn was conducted by the federal government with the intention of reducing fuel load within the buffer zone, not the Kure Beach Fire Department or the Town of Kure Beach. We are aware of the smoke conditions and expect them to continue for a few more days until we either get a decent rain, or all the organic fuel burns out. Last year, this took around 2-3 weeks.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please call the fire department at (910) 458-2014.
Edmund C. Kennedy, EFO
Fire Chief
Kure Beach Fire Department
Cell: 910-409-9398
