Dismal Swamp fire after Hurricane Irene

SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Hurricane Irene provided some much-needed rain to help drench a fire that has been burning in the Great Dismal Swamp.

Chopper 10's John Massey flew over the Great Dismal Swamp wildfire after Hurricane Irene.

Most of the wildfire was extinguished but there were a few hotspots remaining.

From Chopper 10, it appeared that about 99 percent of the fire was out.

Click on the video to see the extent of the charred forest.

John Bearer (BARE), a fire information officer, said the storm dumped 10 to 15 inches of rain on the fire, which has burned more than 6,000 acres in southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina and has sent thick plumes of smoke throughout much of the region and beyond.

As soon as Irene left and the skies cleared Sunday, an aircraft flew over the fire area checking the current conditions. There is a lot of standing water across the fire but fewer trees down than officials say they expected. The disappointing thing was that 30 hotspots could be seen from the air.

The aircraft flew over the fire again Monday and patrolled some it on the ground.

Refuge personnel have made progress clearing roads and fire crews will reengage the hot spots tomorrow Tuesday morning by carrying in and using small pumps.

The Incident Management Team pulled out crews in anticipation of Hurricane Irene.

The fire was considered 35 percent contained Friday before the storm.