Dense smoke from Wednesday’s wood fire had fire officials concerned about safety for motorists along U.S. 117 Alt. south of Mar-Mac. Firefighters from Mar-Mac, Dudley, Mount Olive and Arrington were busy trying to get control over the 10+ acre fire that was heading toward several housing off 117 Alt. Several fire engines were placed to protect the homes from the advancing flames. The North Carolina Fire Service was also called in bringing their spotter plane and plows to assist the ground operations. The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office provided traffic control near the scene and NCDOT crews were brought in to shut down the road. The section of U.S. 117 Alt. was closed to traffic until early evening.
