Wildfires force evacuations in Carolinas, dozens of homes destroyed

New York

Wildfires raging across North and South Carolina have led to mass evacuations and prompted a state of emergency. The hardest-hit area is Polk County in North Carolina, where approximately 250 households have been evacuated, and at least 20 homes and outbuildings have been destroyed, according to county officials.

Firefighters have managed to protect most of the structures near the fires, with only one injury reported— a firefighter who got his leg caught under a tree. The fires, fueled by dry conditions, strong winds, and fallen trees from Hurricane Helene, continue to spread. The hurricane, which struck North Carolina in late September 2024, left extensive damage and claimed hundreds of lives, leaving many still struggling to recover.

Evacuations are ongoing, with dry weather sparking additional fires in western North Carolina on Wednesday. Governor Josh Stein urged residents to stay alert and follow evacuation orders, stressing the importance of responding quickly to emergency alerts.

The wildfire has led to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality issuing an Unhealthy Air Quality Warning, as smog and particulate matter pose serious health risks, particularly to children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues.

In response to the escalating threat, the North Carolina Division of Forestry has enacted a statewide ban on open burning and revoked all burning permits. Meteorologists forecast rain over the weekend, but it is expected to be insufficient to extinguish the fires.