New York: Wildfires raging through North and South Carolina have led to evacuations and the declaration of a state of emergency.
In Polk County, North Carolina, the area most affected by the fires, approximately 250 households have been evacuated, and at least 20 homes and outbuildings have been destroyed, according to Kellie Cannon, the county’s public information officer.
Firefighters have successfully protected most nearby structures, with only one reported injury: a firefighter in North Carolina sustained a leg injury after being trapped under a fallen tree, officials stated.
The wildfires have been fueled by dry weather, strong winds, and downed trees left in the wake of Hurricane Helene, which struck North Carolina in late September 2024 and caused widespread destruction, taking hundreds of lives. Many residents are still recovering from the hurricane, noted Bo Dorsett, spokesman for the North Carolina Forest Service.
Evacuations are ongoing as dry conditions have led to more fires erupting in western North Carolina. Governor Josh Stein has urged residents to remain vigilant, advising them to heed emergency alerts and evacuation orders if necessary.
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Unhealthy Air Quality Warning due to concerns over smog and particulate matter, which pose significant health risks, especially to children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory issues.
In light of the escalating situation, the North Carolina Division of Forestry has imposed a statewide ban on open burning and revoked all burning permits, according to Xinhua news agency.
Meteorologists have a grim outlook regarding the wildfires. Ashley Lehmberg, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Greer, South Carolina, mentioned there is rain expected over the weekend, but it won’t be sufficient to extinguish the fires.
