The forest fire that started two-and-a-half months ago in the Croatan National Forest is now 100% contained.
The U.S. Forest Service said it cost $12 million dollars to get the Great Lakes Fire under control and put a perimeter around it to keep it from spreading.
The fire was first noticed on April 19th and grew from 7,000 to more than more than 32,000 acres in the space of two days.
On Friday, April 22, smoke from the fire impacted the air quality in New Bern, Greenville, Kinston and Washington, and it could be seen as far away as Jacksonville.
Specialty wildfire crews were brought in to help contain and put out the fire.
The cause remains under investigation, but officials said it was started by a person or people.
Read more:
Wildfire in the Croatan: 7,000 acres burning, poor air quality halts after school activities
Great Lake fire grows to 35,000 acres, southern region wildfire crew bringing help to ENC
Southern U.S. regional wildfire fighters join battle against Croatan National Forest blaze
Smoke dried pine needles impacting Great Lakes Fire in Croatan National Forest
