| On Friday just after 3:30 p.m. Cypress Pointe Fire/Rescue Engine 221 (E221) was returning from a previous call when personnel observed a large column of smoke in the area of Union Church Road within the Town of Vass. Forestry 2 (F2) also observed the smoke column and responded to investigate as well. E221 and F2 arrived on scene simultaneously and quickly determined the incident to be an out-of-control wildfire.
E221 notified dispatch and requested an outside fire response. Multiple CPFR units and additional North Carolina Forest Service resources were dispatched. Upon additional size-up, it was determined that the fire had already consumed several acres. E221 requested additional brush units from the Carthage Fire Department and Crains Creek Fire Department, as well as a tanker from the Southern Pines Fire Department. Crains Creek units were subsequently diverted to a motor vehicle accident on Highway 690 within the CPFR district since CPFR was committed to the outside fire.
As fire conditions intensified and began threatening multiple structures, E221 requested a structural fire response. Fire Chief Cameron arrived on scene and assumed command from E221. Command coordinated the deployment of brush trucks, engines, and tankers for structural protection across multiple locations and requested an additional Strike Team of Brush Trucks, adding five more units to the incident.
The Vass Police Department and the Moore County Sheriff’s Office were requested to close Union Church Road due to heavy smoke conditions and fire personnel operating in the roadway. EMS was also asked to establish a Medical Group, with Medic 28 assigned to support operations.
Rapid fire spread, driven by heavy fuel loads and shifting winds, posed a significant threat to multiple structures. Crews initially operated in a defensive posture to protect exposures. Due to fire intensity exceeding the capabilities of brush units in certain areas, engines and tankers were assigned to support suppression efforts in those areas along Union Church Road. Multiple fire suppression attack lines were deployed, and apparatus-mounted master streams were utilized to protect structures and slow fire progression. Two fire hydrants were established to support water supply operations.
The North Carolina Forest Service requested and received approval for aerial resources, including a spotter plane, two fixed-wing water drop aircraft, and a helicopter. Ground resources included three plow units from Moore, Lee, and Richmond Counties, along with nine forest rangers and equipment operators.
Plow units began cutting containment lines from Union Church Road behind threatened structures. Progress was slow due to dense vegetation, including thick woods, vines, and uneven terrain. Aerial operations commenced with the helicopter conducting water drops in close proximity to ground crews and structures, while fixed-wing aircraft targeted multiple head fires. Variable wind conditions caused multiple shifts in fire direction, repeatedly creating new head fires and challenging suppression efforts.
Through coordinated operations between structural fire units and forestry resources—both ground and aerial—crews began to gain control of the incident. Operations transitioned from defensive to offensive tactics, allowing for direct engagement on the head fire. Forestry crews conducted backburning operations from established plow lines to remove available fuels and further contain fire spread.
The fire was declared under control at approximately 18:30 hours, with full containment achieved at approximately 20:30 hours. CPFR crews cleared the scene just before 10:00 p.m. and the N.C. Forest Service remained on scene until approximately 2:30 a.m. The incident resulted in approximately 145 acres burned. One abandoned outbuilding was destroyed; no primary structures were lost or damaged.
Departments responding to this incident included Cypress Pointe Fire/Rescue, Carthage Fire Department, Southern Pines Fire Department, Whispering Pines Fire Department, Robbins Fire Department, Eastwood Fire Department, Eagle Springs Fire Department, Seven Lakes Fire Department, and Westmoore Fire Department.
Pinebluff Fire Department provided station coverage while CPFR units were committed to the incident. Crains Creek Fire Department was initially dispatched to the wildfire but was reassigned to a motor vehicle accident within CPFR’s district.
In total, the response included 49 firefighters operating 4 fire engines, 10 brush trucks, 3 tankers, and 2 command staff vehicles. The North Carolina Forest Service deployed 3 plow units staffed by nine rangers and equipment operators, along with aerial resources including two fixed-wing firefighting aircraft, one helicopter equipped for water drops, and a spotter aircraft to assist with firefighting coordination.
The Vass Police Department responded with four officers, while the Moore County Sheriff’s Office provided one deputy. Moore County EMS staffed a medic unit in support of operations, and Moore County Public Safety responded with three representatives to assist with coordinating additional alarms and station coverage. The Moore County Dispatch Center effectively managed a multi-alarm response, coordinated move-ups and backfills, and continued to handle routine calls for service throughout the county during the incident.
Cypress Pointe Fire/Rescue extends its sincere appreciation to all responding agencies for their coordinated efforts and support. The level of cooperation and professionalism demonstrated throughout the incident was instrumental in protecting both life and property. Many responders went above and beyond in challenging conditions to ensure a successful outcome.
As of Saturday morning, CPFR and the North Carolina Forest Service remain on scene to reinforce containment lines and extinguish isolated hot spots. Residents in the area should expect lingering smoke conditions for the next several days, or until significant rainfall occurs.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the North Carolina Forest Service. |
