Both North and South Carolina are currently dealing with raging wildfires just months after dealing with the devastation of Hurricane Helene.
The fires in North Carolina have destroyed more than 6,000 acres of forest land and burned down 11 homes. According to NBC News, “The critical fire conditions are a result of warm temperatures combined with strong winds in excess of 15 MPH and relative humidity of 12% to 30%.”
Firefighters are currently fighting two wildfires in Polk County. “Mandatory evacuations were in effect for 146 properties in rural Polk County on Tuesday, about 80 miles west of Charlotte, North Carolina.” According to The Guardian.
While firefighters are fighting these fires, there is the worry that the dry, windy air that North Carolina is experiencing will cause the fires to spread rapidly to other parts of the south. Upstate South Carolina, western North Carolina and north-east Georgia have all been issued a red flag warning.
The people of North Carolina are still getting over Hurricane Helene, which hit them September 24th, 2024. “The downed trees from Hurricane Helene are contributing to the difficulties that our firefighters are facing trying to contain this fire” Said Dossett. The dried out fallen trees are creating more fuel to spread the fires.
One of the fires, the Black Cove Fire, started on March 19th and has burned 3,502 acres. The second fire, the Deep Woods Fires, also started on March 19th and has burned 3,969 acres of land. As of Tuesday, the Black Cover Fire is 93% contained and the Deep Woods Fire is 60% contained. The third fire, the Fish Hook Fire, started March 20th and burned 199 acres. The Fish Hook Fire as of Tuesday is 100% contained according to Citizen times.
Evacuations were mandatory for some time in Polk County, but that has since been lifted. According to WYFF4 “Emergency personnel are prepared to take action to evacuate county residents if necessary and support all efforts toward fire suppression.”
South Carolina is also dealing with two wildfires, one in Persimmon Ridge Greenville county, and the other at the Table Rock State Park in Pickens County.
Henry McMaster, South Carolina’s governor, has issued a state of emergency and a statewide outdoor burn ban. Anyone caught burning could face criminal charges.
The Table Rock Fire as of Tuesday is 13,287 acres. The Persimmon Ridge Fire grew over 1,000 acres on Wednesday, and as of Tuesday, April 1st, it is 2,078 acres. As of Tuesday, the Table Rock Fire is 30% contained and the Persimmon Ridge Fire is 74% contained, according to WYFF. Due to the fires, voluntary evacuations are in effect for Pickens and Greenville counties. According to 7News, “The Marietta First Baptist Church at 2936 Geer Highway in Marietta has opened to evacuated residents.” Residents of Greenville and Pickens County are advised to remain vigilant and stay aware of changes in the fire conditions.
Some ways you can help the people affected by the Carolina wildfires is by donating to the American Red Cross, which has opened an evacuation shelter in South Carolina. You can also donate to the World’s Central Kitchen which provides meals for victims and first responders. Lastly you can donate to the South Carolina Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster which provides services to communities affected by disaster.
