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Wildfires in Carolinas Burn Over 6,000 Acres, Trigger Evacuations and Emergency Declarations

Fueled by dry conditions and Hurricane Helene debris, fires in North and South Carolina remain largely uncontained, with air quality alerts and burn bans in place.

The Deepwoods Fire is seen on March 23, 2025, in Columbus, North Carolina.
Troutman Fire Department firefighter Sam Mills watches a backburn preventative fire to stop the spread of the Deep Woods Fire on Sunday in Columbus, North Carolina.

Overview

  • North Carolina's Polk County is under mandatory evacuation orders as three wildfires have burned over 4,000 acres, with two major fires at 0% containment.
  • South Carolina's Table Rock Fire has grown to over 1,300 acres, prompting a state of emergency and voluntary evacuations near Table Rock Mountain.
  • Both states are grappling with wildfire risks exacerbated by debris left by Hurricane Helene, which has increased fuel loads in affected areas.
  • Air quality alerts have been issued, including a 'Code Red' for Polk County, warning residents of unhealthy conditions due to dense smoke.
  • Firefighting efforts involve hundreds of personnel, aerial support, and National Guard assistance, with FEMA approving a grant to aid North Carolina's response.