The fire was managed first as a Type 4 initial attack, then progressed to a Type 3 managed by the local North Carolina Forest Service District, and finally as a Type 2 managed by two successive North Carolina Forest Service Incident Management Teams (Hendrick and Pearson). Control and final extinguishment were accomplished only through the use of high volume lift pumps and complete flooding of the area.

This was a first for the refuge in several respects, including hosting a Type 2 IMT, hosting an incident base camp, and use of a CL-215 air tanker scooping from Lake Drummond. The incident was a beneficial learning experience for refuge staff, and the IMT was very complimentary to the refuge for the assistance and hospitality provided. Regional Fire Management Coordinator Allen Carter provided daily assistance to Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife efuge Manager Lloyd Culp in managing the complexities of this incident.