Recent wildfires in western North Carolina have been exacerbated by soaring temperatures, fierce winds, and low humidity levels. These conditions are contributing to the rapid spread of fires in areas already severely affected by Hurricane Helene. Jeremy Waldrop, a spokesperson for the North Carolina Forest Service, described the situation as unprecedented in his 20-year career, stating, “This is the most fuel I’ve seen on the ground,” referring to the abundance of fallen leaves and trees left behind by the hurricane.
As the wildfires continue to wreak havoc, the governor of South Carolina has declared a state of emergency. Both South and North Carolina are struggling to contain these fires, largely due to the timber downed by Hurricane Helene. Disturbing videos from WLOS reveal dry, charred forests and show helicopters battling the flames by dropping water over thick clouds of smoke.
The North Carolina Department of Public Safety issued mandatory evacuation orders for parts of Polk County on Saturday night, affecting approximately 20,000 residents located 80 miles west of Charlotte. Local resident Melissa Holland expressed concerns regarding communication, noting that many in the rural area lack reliable internet or cell service. “It’s very spotty,” she said, emphasizing the need for improved county communication regarding evacuation orders.
As of Sunday night, the Black Cove Fire, located two miles northeast of Saluda, had consumed over 2,076 acres, while the Deep Woods Fire, situated five miles northwest of Columbus, had grown to 2,545 acres. Both of these fires remain uncontained. Additionally, the Fish Hook Fire, located on private land near Lake Adger, was estimated at less than 199 acres, with all evacuation orders related to this fire lifted on Sunday night.
The North Carolina Forest Service reported that 249 personnel from the state and beyond are actively working to contain these wildfires. In their statement, they mentioned, “Containment is expected to increase in the coming days, and firefighters will remain on scene until the fire no longer poses a threat.” So far, four homes have been destroyed, and a code red air quality alert has been issued, indicating that prolonged exposure to the air may be unhealthy for residents.
In South Carolina, Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency on Saturday as fire crews battled two significant wildfires. The Table Rock Fire in Pickens County has grown to over 1,300 acres since it ignited on Friday. Meanwhile, the Persimmon Ridge Fire in Greenville County, the state’s most populous area, reached 800 acres by Sunday evening. Both fires have prompted a statewide burning ban, and local officials have initiated voluntary evacuations for residences east of Table Rock State Park, affecting around 100 homes.
To combat the wildfires, at least six aircraft, including a Chinook and two Black Hawk helicopters from the state’s National Guard, have been deployed for water-dropping missions. Videos shared by the South Carolina National Guard highlight their efforts, showing helicopters combating the flames and smoke rising from the hills.
The wildfires have been further complicated by the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which caused extensive damage across the region, affecting more than 5,000 miles of state-maintained roads and numerous private roads, bridges, and culverts in North Carolina. According to the Forestry Commission, the abundant downed timber from the hurricane has significantly increased the fuel load in the affected areas, making containment challenging.
In a hopeful turn, a cold front moving in from Texas is expected to bring some relief to firefighters in the Carolinas on Monday morning. While rainfall totals may not be substantial, any precipitation will assist in slowing the spread of the ongoing wildfires. Forecasts suggest this may be the only round of rain expected for the week, with additional storms anticipated to impact eastern states by the end of the weekend.
As the situation develops, residents are urged to stay informed about evacuation orders and wildfire updates to ensure their safety. CNN’s Robert Shackelford and Martin Goillandeau contributed to this report.
