News Summary
The Wake County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a series of intentional brush fires reported along Interstate 540 in Raleigh. The fires prompted significant emergency responses, leading to road closures and a collaborative effort among local fire departments and law enforcement. The investigation is ongoing as authorities seek information on the deliberate acts, which created safety concerns in the area.
Raleigh, North Carolina – Brush Fires Along I-540 Under Investigation as Arson
The Wake County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating a series of intentional brush fires along Interstate 540 in Raleigh, North Carolina, which occurred on Saturday, October 18, 2025. Multiple fires were reported along the highway, prompting a significant emergency response and causing road closures in the area.
Timeline and Details of the Fires
The first reports of smoke and fire engines arrived near Leesville Road around 2:50 p.m.. Emergency responders identified at least five brush fires across different locations along I-540, stretching from near Glenwood Avenue to U.S. 1 at Triangle Town Center. As of 3:25 p.m., firefighting crews were still actively working to contain the fires in the Leesville Road area. One of the fires was detected near mile marker 5, located west of Leesville Road.
By 4:45 p.m., all visible fires appeared to be extinguished, but fire crews remained stationed along the highway, monitoring the area and preventing further flare-ups. The affected sections of I-540 included key roads such as Glenwood Avenue, Leesville Road, Creedmoor Road, Falls of Neuse Road, and Capital Boulevard. The fires impacted most of the westbound lanes of I-540, leading to temporary closures and traffic stops.
Responses and Road Closures
The Fire Division Chief of Raleigh, Jake Corker, confirmed that several firefighting crews were deployed to combat the fires. Assistance was also provided by the Durham Highway Fire Department, which collaborated closely with local responders to manage the situation.
Due to the ongoing firefighting efforts, two lanes of I-540 west near Leesville Road were closed while the fires remained active. Additionally, authorities temporarily stopped traffic along I-540 near Capital Boulevard/U.S. 1, aiming to ensure the safety of motorists and firefighting personnel.
Investigation and Law Enforcement Involvement
The Wake County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the fires as arson. The Raleigh Police Department has also joined the investigation to determine the cause of the fires. Authorities have not yet announced a motive but are treating the incidents as deliberate acts. The sheriff’s office has requested anyone with relevant information to call 919-856-6911.
Background and Context
The series of brush fires along I-540 represents a notable safety concern in the Raleigh area. Authorities are prioritizing the investigation to prevent future incidents and ensure public safety. These fires, which appeared focused on the westbound lanes of the highway, occurred during a period when the region typically experiences increased traffic flow and outdoor activity. The response involved coordination among local fire departments, law enforcement, and traffic management agencies.
Officials continue to monitor the situation and will update the public as new information becomes available. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities working to determine the person or persons responsible for setting the fires intentionally.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WRAL: Raleigh Fire Department Investigates Brush Fire
- CBS17: Crews Battle Brush Fires Along I-540
- ABC11: Traffic Lanes Closed Due to Brush Fires
- WRAL: Raleigh Fire Reports on I-540
- Wikipedia: Brush Fire
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
