Surry County wildfire burns 200 acres

Firefighters are continuing to battle a blaze that has burned more than 200 acres of forest land in Surry County. 

The fire broke out Saturday afternoon in a wooded area near Lowgap. More than 100 firefighters have been dispatched to the blaze since then, and as of Tuesday morning it was 90% contained. 

Jeremy Waldrop, with the North Carolina Forest Service, says it hasn't been an easy job for fire crews. 

“What they're dealing with now is it's pretty steep rugged terrain back in that area," says Waldrop. "And that's kind of causing a lot of the problems.”

He says high winds have been a challenge too. The fire's rapid spread prompted some nearby residents to evacuate as a precaution. Waldrop says they have since returned, and currently no structures are threatened. 

Waldrop says they suspect an out-of-control debris burn led to the wildfire, but the official cause is still under investigation. 

Rain is scheduled to move through the area on Wednesday, aiding fire crews.