Kure Beach Residents Warned of Prolonged Smoke from Prescribed Burn

Fire officials say conditions could last for weeks after controlled burn by military team.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 6:04am

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The Kure Beach Fire Department has issued a warning to residents about ongoing smoke conditions in the area following a prescribed burn conducted by the Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point team on March 25. Fire Chief Edmund C. Kennedy said the smoke is lingering due to the continued burning of the top layer of organic matter, as well as humidity and wind conditions that are causing the smoke to hang low and blow towards the residential area.

Why it matters

Prescribed burns are a common forest management practice, but they can create significant disruption and health concerns for nearby communities when the smoke lingers for an extended period. This incident highlights the need for better coordination and communication between authorities conducting controlled burns and the local residents who may be impacted.

The details

According to the fire department, crews are regularly shifting the buffer zone to keep the remaining fire within the original burn area, but have been advised to leave it burning as long as it stays within the perimeter. The department has also taken additional measures when encountering areas that appear to be an issue or could cross a fire lane.

  • The prescribed burn was conducted by the Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point burn team on Wednesday, March 25.
  • Smoke conditions have persisted for several days following the burn.

The players

Kure Beach Fire Department

The local fire department responsible for responding to and managing the ongoing smoke conditions in Kure Beach.

Edmund C. Kennedy

The fire chief of the Kure Beach Fire Department, who has issued the warning to residents about the prolonged smoke.

Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point

The military team that conducted the prescribed burn that is causing the ongoing smoke issues in Kure Beach.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Edmund C. Kennedy, Fire Chief, Kure Beach Fire Department

“We have been advised that as long as it is within the original burn perimeter, to leave it burning.”

— Edmund C. Kennedy, Fire Chief, Kure Beach Fire Department

What’s next

The Kure Beach Fire Department will continue to monitor the situation and take additional measures as needed to address any areas of concern that could lead to the smoke crossing fire lanes or impacting the residential area.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for better coordination and communication between authorities conducting controlled burns and the local communities that may be impacted by the resulting smoke. While prescribed burns are an important forest management tool, the prolonged disruption and potential health concerns for residents demonstrate the importance of carefully planning and executing these operations to minimize the impact on nearby neighborhoods.