Smoky Conditions Continue After Brush Fire

Published on May 20, 2026

Update (5/21/2026 8:30am): The brush fire remains contained this morning. Hotspots continue to smolder, which means community members should expect smoky conditions to last for several days. Please call 911 only if you observe fire outside of the burned area.

Update (5/20/2026 10:05pm): Fire crews on scene have fully contained the brush fire and Seawell School Road has reopened to traffic.

While this fire was initially dispatched to Chapel Hill Fire Rescue, crews determined it’s in the Carrboro Fire Department’s jurisdiction, which means Carrboro Fire is the lead agency.

The N.C. Forest Service will remain on scene overnight.

Previously released (5/20/2026 7:50pm): Seawell School Road is closed between the entrance to Seawell Elementary School and Hanover Place as Chapel Hill Fire Rescue responds to a brush fire in a wooded area south of the elementary school.

“Our crews have this fire under control and it’s not threatening any buildings. We’re working carefully to extinguish it,” said Fire Chief Jay Mebane. “The road is closed to protect first responders who are along the road. Right now, we’re asking folks to avoid this area.”

Crews first responded to a report of a brush fire just before 4:30pm and closed Seawell School road to traffic around 6pm. There are no reports of injuries.

Firefighters expect the sight and smell of smoke in the area overnight and are asking community members who are sensitive to smoky conditions to limit their time outside.

New Hope Volunteer Fire, Carrboro Fire, and the N.C. Forest Service are assisting Chapel Hill Fire Rescue at the scene.