Shallotte NC Fire Today, North Carolina, October 1, 2026: Forest Fire Near Old Georgetown Road Prompts Lakewood Estates Evacuations
SHALLOTTE, North Carolina — Emergency crews responded to a forest fire in the Shallotte area of Brunswick County on Thursday, October 1, 2026, with authorities issuing an evacuation alert for residents in a nearby neighborhood.
According to the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, residents in Lakewood Estates off Ocean Isle Beach Road were being evacuated because of the forest fire. Officials instructed residents in the affected area to follow directions from emergency personnel and leave when directed.
Fire Reported Near Shallotte and Old Georgetown Road
The fire was reported in the Shallotte and Ocean Isle mainland area near Old Georgetown Road, with emergency crews working to respond to the incident.
Local news reports showed significant smoke in the area as firefighters and other emergency personnel worked at the scene. WECT described the situation as a developing incident while officials worked to provide additional information.
The Brunswick County alert identified the incident as Quarry Fire Two and warned the public not to fly drones over the wildfire because doing so can interfere with firefighting operations.
Lakewood Estates Evacuation Alert
The most significant confirmed development was the evacuation of residents from Lakewood Estates near Ocean Isle Beach Road.
The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office urged people in the affected area to follow emergency instructions and evacuate immediately when directed. Authorities also asked members of the public to stay away from the fire area so first responders could work safely.
Officials said another advisory would be issued when it was safe for residents to return.
Fire Size and Cause Not Yet Released
Authorities had not publicly established the size of the fire or what caused it at the time of the available updates.
Because the incident remained active, additional information concerning the fire’s spread, containment, property impacts and possible injuries could change as emergency crews continued their response.
Residents should avoid relying on unverified social-media reports for information about the fire.
What Residents Should Know
People near the Shallotte and Ocean Isle Beach areas should follow instructions from emergency personnel and avoid roads or locations being used by firefighters.
Drivers should also allow emergency vehicles sufficient room to reach the incident and avoid entering areas restricted by authorities.
The county’s emergency alert specifically advised residents to stay clear of the wildfire area while crews work.
Latest Shallotte Fire Update
The October 1 fire remains a developing incident. Confirmed information indicates that a forest fire occurred in the Shallotte area, Lakewood Estates residents were being evacuated, and authorities were asking the public to avoid the area.
Officials had not yet released a confirmed acreage figure or cause in the reports reviewed.
Residents should continue monitoring Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office and other local emergency updates for information about evacuation orders, road access and when residents may safely return.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Shallotte fire?
The fire was reported in the Shallotte/Ocean Isle mainland area near Old Georgetown Road. An evacuation alert affected Lakewood Estates off Ocean Isle Beach Road.
Are residents being evacuated?
Yes. The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office reported that Lakewood Estates residents were being evacuated because of the forest fire.
How large is the fire?
Officials had not released a confirmed acreage figure in the available updates.
What caused the Shallotte fire?
The cause had not been publicly released.
Can people return to Lakewood Estates?
Residents should follow official instructions. The Sheriff’s Office said another advisory would be issued when it was safe to return.
Are drones allowed near the wildfire?
No. Brunswick County warned that flying a drone near or over a wildfire is illegal in North Carolina and can interfere with firefighting operations.