Wildfire-fighting costs pass $4 million

Wildfire-fighting costs pass $4 million

19 June 2008

published by www.newsobserver.com

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NC, USA — Officials say the cost to battle a huge wildfire in Eastern NorthCarolina has topped $4 million.

Efforts continued Wednesday to get the blaze under control, but a majorrainstorm will be needed to extinguish the blaze.

The fire is burning in and around the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge.About 350 people were assigned to the fire Wednesday. It has burned about 41,000acres and is about 70 percent contained.

Fire command center spokesman Bruce MacDonald says firefighters are sprayingwater on hot spots in the smoldering peat soil.

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