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Today Congressman Walter B. Jones (NC-3) called for an investigation into the rapidly spreading fire currently consuming a large portion of the Croatan National Forest.  In a letter to Kristin Bail, Supervisor of the U.S. Forest Service for the state of North Carolina, Congressman Jones offered his full assistance to help the Forest Service get the fire under control.  However, once the fire is contained, he called for a comprehensive investigation of the policies and decisions that led to the incident.

“Our number one priority is to get the fire contained,” said Jones.  “However, I share the concerns of many Eastern North Carolinians as to how this poorly planned ‘prescribed burn’ is negatively affecting tourism, public health, and taxpayers who are being asked to pick up the tab to fight a fire that could have been avoided.”

The planned “prescribed burn” was started by the Forest Service last week.  However, it quickly grew out of control and currently covers roughly 32 square miles and is zero percent contained.  State air quality officials have issued air quality warnings for Martin, Washington, Beaufort and Hyde counties today, and they are expecting Red Code conditions in Craven, Jones and Pamlico counties. 

• » Letter to Forest Service re Croatan Fire -- 6-12.pdf