Three major wildfires have erupted in a North Carolina county that is still recovering from Hurricane Helene, leading to the burning of over 3,000 acres combined. South Carolina’s governor declared an emergency in response to a wildfire in the Blue Ridge mountains.
The North Carolina Department of Public Safety issued a mandatory evacuation for parts of Polk County, located 80 miles west of Charlotte, starting at 8:20pm on Saturday. The agency warned residents that visibility in the area would be reduced and roads/evasion routes could become blocked, potentially trapping, injuring, or killing those who do not evacuate.
Two of the largest wildfires in Polk County, the Black Cove fire and the Deep Woods fire, have not been contained at all. The Fish Hook fire has been contained by 50% but all three fires are fueled by downed trees from Hurricane Helene, low humidity, and dry vegetation. The fires are approximately 30 miles south-east of Ashville in an area affected by the hurricane.
Dense smoke from the wildfires has prompted a “code red” air quality alert for Polk County, and the North Carolina Forest Service advised residents to avoid prolonged exposure or heavy exertion outdoors. The residents of Polk County have shown resilience after enduring Hurricane Helene and earlier wildfires.
The threat of wildfires is also felt in neighboring South Carolina, where Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency in response to the Table Rock fire in Pickens County. In South Carolina, the fire has spread to 300 acres and is not fully contained. The governor’s declaration will allow for the mobilization of resources to support firefighting efforts and protect lives and property.
Evacuations have been advised for residents near Table Rock Mountain, the Table Rock state park is closed, and the fire is being fought with the help of helicopters and air tankers.
In New Jersey, the forest fire service is battling a wildfire that has consumed 2.7 square miles in the Wharton State Forest. The fire is contained by about half and two campgrounds have been evacuated. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/23/north-south-carolina-wildfires
