At least eight wildfires are still burning across North Carolina and South Carolina as of Monday, scorching more than 6,000 acres. Meteorologists from the National Weather Service (NWS) have warned that the ongoing dry conditions create the perfect environment for fires to spread rapidly.
Why It Matters
Wildfires erupted across the Carolinas earlier this month due to an abundance of dry fuels. Strong winds and dry weather helped the flames spread. As of Monday, firefighters in both states continue battling the blazes, which now cover around 6,000 acres.
What to Know
Evacuations have been ordered in some areas as the fires expand. Currently, North Carolina has five active wildfires, while South Carolina has three. However, additional fires have been reported, meaning these numbers could rise.
Where Are the Wildfires?
In North Carolina, five wildfires remain active. Three are burning southeast of Asheville, near the South Carolina border, all within Polk County—an area that suffered severe damage from Hurricane Helene last fall. Over the weekend, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety issued a mandatory evacuation for residents near these fires.
Another fire in Caldwell County has burned about 14 acres, while a separate blaze in Stokes County near the Virginia border has spread across 276 acres.
In South Carolina, two wildfires are burning in the northwest. One in Pickens County has consumed 1,300 acres, while another in Greenville County has engulfed 800 acres. Neither fire is contained.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the state, a wildfire in Horry County has burned more than 2,000 acres. Firefighters have managed to contain 80% of it.
How Did the Fires Start?
The causes of both wildfires under the South Carolina Forestry Commission’s (SCFC) jurisdiction remain unknown.
“Some arrests have been made related to a fire in this area, but I cannot confirm whether it’s connected to this fire or either of the two we’re currently battling,” said Doug Wood, SCFC director of communications.
Wood also noted that downed trees and debris from Hurricane Helene have provided ample fuel for the flames.
In North Carolina, the origins of the wildfires are still unclear. To prevent further outbreaks, officials have issued a statewide burn ban. South Carolina has also put a statewide burn ban in place, according to the SCFC website.
What Officials Are Saying
North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler emphasized the importance of the burn ban, stating:
“It is spring wildfire season in North Carolina, and we are seeing wildfire activity increase due to dry conditions.
With these ongoing conditions, a statewide burn ban is necessary to reduce the risk of wildfires starting and spreading quickly. Our top priority is always to protect lives, property, and forestland across the state. It is imperative that folks adhere to this burn ban until further notice.”
The NWS Raleigh office issued a hazardous weather outlook, warning:
“Gusty winds and low relative humidity will bring a risk for adverse fire behavior Tuesday.”
Meanwhile, the NWS Greenville-Spartanburg office noted:
“The combination of low relative humidity and drier fuels will increase fire danger Tuesday through Saturday.”
What’s Next?
Firefighters will continue working to contain the wildfires. The North Carolina Forest Service reported in a Sunday night update that containment efforts should improve this week.
The NWS Climate Prediction Center forecasts above-average rainfall in both states over the next six to 10 days. This increased precipitation could reduce dry fuel sources and help firefighters gain control of the flames.
