Bottle rocket starts brush fire in Duck

DUCK, N.C. (WAVY) - Five men are cleaning dirty fire houses and washing fire trucks after their illegal fireworks started a one acre brush fire in Duck Tuesday night to make up for their actions.

The fire was started by a bottle rocket around 9 p.m., on West Bias Lane on the Southern Shores/Duck line, Duck Volunteer Fire Department Deputy Chief Bill Walker said.

Five men in their early 20's were responsible for setting off the bottle rocket. Walker said the men attempted to put the fire out, but were unable to.

Fire units were on the scene for about two hours, and extinguished the fire in about 20 minutes.

Walker said one of the individuals violated a town ordinance and had to pay a fine, but the violation does not require a court proceeding or jail time.

The men were apologetic and asked firefighters what they could do to make up for their actions, Walker said. 

Ten departments including police, fire, and emergency medical services responded.

The brush fire was a threat to five houses, but no damage was done.

No one was hurt.