North Carolina governor declares state of emergency as wildfires rage

In late March 2025, numerous wildfires have been causing destruction in the Carolinas, particularly within the Blue Ridge Mountains of South Carolina and North Carolina. These wildfires have been fueled by dry and windy conditions, resulting in the burning of over 20 square miles (52 square kilometers) of land. Officials have imposed mandatory evacuations in certain areas, notably Pickens County in South Carolina, due to the advance of the Table Rock fire towards the border. As the situation has escalated, North Carolina's Governor Josh Stein expanded the state of emergency to encompass 35 counties and tribal lands, where the Native American Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians reside. This declaration aims to provide the necessary resources and support for firefighting efforts, as conditions remain extremely hazardous with low humidity and high temperatures contributing to the fire danger. Emergency services are facing challenges due to the dense debris from Hurricane Helene, which has left numerous fallen trees acting as fuel for the fires. Though no injuries have been reported so far, the danger persists, with several fires being either uncontained or in various stages of containment. The community is advised to stay vigilant and look out for air quality alerts as fine particulate matter from smoke permeates the area.