Firefighters from Moore County helped battle a large wildfire in Hoke County Thursday.

A resident was burning trash, which apparently spread out of control because of gusty winds, according to Hoke County Emergency Management. It involved a total of 14 structures near Calloway Road.

The fire began at about 2:45 p.m. and spread so quickly that by 2:57 Hoke County firefighters called Moore County for assistance.

County Public Safety Director Scot Brooks said Moore County sent two strike teams of tankers, which amounted to a total of 13 pieces of fire equipment from nine different fire stations.

The fire covered between 160 and 169 acres.

Thursday was a particularly dangerous day because the wind and mild weather encouraged people to be outside.

"Yesterday (Thursday) was actually a red-flag day," Brooks said. "People really need to pay attention to the announcement. There are certain days of the year that you should not burn."

While local firefighters were helping in Hoke County, several small fires broke out in Moore County.

"We actually had multiple small fires we were able to control," Brooks said, "in Carthage, Vass and West End. We helped Lee County with a fire near the border. We had a busy, busy day of it."

Matthew Moriarty may be reached at 693-2479 or by e-mail at moriarty@thepilot.com.