Forecaster: projected rainfall not enough to control fires

COLUMBIA, N.C. (AP) — A weather forecaster says showers and thunderstorms expected to cross the state this week probably won’t do much to dampen a wildfire burning in eastern North Carolina.
  Meteorologist Phil Badgett of the National Weather Service said Tuesday it will take significant rainfall to help control the fire that has burned more than 35,000 acres in and around the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge.
  Badgett said the fires are burning in the peat soil and ``it would take several widespread rain events to get that under control.‘’
  Crews continue to build containment lines around the fire in Hyde, Tyrrell and Washington counties ahead of projected gusty weather that could hasten its spread.