Winds push multiple fires across the Triangle
The National Weather Service of Raleigh sent a warning Sunday morning about increased fire danger in most of central North Carolina. The NWS said the wind speeds combined with the low humidity made conditions favorable for uncontrollable, adverse fires.
After the statement, five serious fires erupted in Knightdale, Durham, Johnston County, Holly Springs, and northern Wake County.
A major brush fire in Knightdale had firefighters battling to keep the flames under control. The fire was raging at the 9000 block of Buffaloe Road.
The fire started with a controlled burn, when the wind pushed the flames to an open field. The fire came close to a few homes and barns, authorities said.
Officials said that fire burned nearly 12 acres. It took firefighters from several agencies to knock down the flames within an hour and a half.
The person who started the controlled burn is not facing any legal charges.
Meanwhile, an apartment complex off of New Haven Drive in Durham was engulfed in smoke because of a nearby brush fire.
A Johnston County brush fire closed Highway 301 at North Honeycutt Street while firefighters attempted to put the flames out.
Authorities say yet another brush fire happening on Spence Farm Road in Holly Springs.
Finally, firefighters had to face a massive house fire on Potomac Court in northern Wake County near Highway 98. At last check, crews were still attempting to extinguish the blaze.
It is unclear what sparked that fire or if anyone was inside the house at the time.
Eyewitness Dale Martin snapped a picture of the house as firefighters fought to tame it.
The NWS is supposed to issue a Red Flag warning when winds reach a sustained 25 miles per hour and humidity is less than 25 percent.
Outside burning is strongly discouraged today as weather conditions will make fires much harder to control.
