Firefighters in North and South Carolina faced challenging conditions on Monday as they battled several wind-driven wildfires in difficult terrain, hindering containment efforts, according to officials. The aftermath of Hurricane Helene last year, which felled millions of trees, combined with prolonged dry weather this spring, has resulted in an active and prolonged fire season in the Carolinas, noted Robert Scheller, a professor of forestry and environmental resources at North Carolina State University. The abundance of fuel left by Helene, exacerbated by rapid drying during flash droughts, has fueled the fires.
Both North Carolina and South Carolina have implemented statewide bans on outdoor burning in response to the escalating situation. In North Carolina, mandatory evacuations were in effect for approximately 165 properties in parts of Polk County, situated about 80 miles west of Charlotte. Three fires had already burned at least 7.5 square miles in the county, with the larger blazes remaining uncontained and posing a threat to neighboring areas, as reported by county spokesperson Kellie Cannon.
Meanwhile, in South Carolina, two fires in the mountainous regions prompted Governor Henry McMaster to declare a state of emergency. The Table Rock Fire in Pickens County and the Persimmon Ridge Fire in Greenville County have been challenging to contain due to the rugged terrain and strong winds. Despite efforts to manage the blazes, both fires continued to spread, with voluntary evacuations for approximately 100 homes remaining in place.
The fires were sparked by human activity, with the causes under investigation. The challenging conditions faced by firefighters were compounded by the fallen trees blocking roads and creating obstacles to firefighting efforts, a phenomenon observed following Hurricane Helene.
Researchers, including Scheller, had predicted the likelihood of an intense fire season following the weather patterns post-Helene, drawing parallels to previous incidents like the Bertha Swamp Road Fire in the Florida Panhandle. The dry and flammable nature of fallen pine trees left in the wake of hurricanes poses a significant fire risk, underscoring the importance of preparedness and vigilance in managing such incidents.
According to federal monitors, dry weather is the final ingredient needed to fuel wildfires. Despite recent rainfall, the Carolinas are currently experiencing an extreme drought. Human activity, such as burning debris, leaving unattended campfires, or discarding cigarettes, is a common factor in many fires along the East Coast. The increasing number of people residing near fire-prone areas also heightens the risk of wildfires.
In New Jersey, a forest fire that broke out in the Pinelands region covering a million acres was fully contained on Monday morning, after burning through approximately 3.5 square miles (5.8 kilometers). The fire, which was first noticed on Saturday, prompted the evacuation of two campgrounds in Wharton State Forest. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
A recent front moving off the East Coast brought some rain and increased humidity, aiding firefighters on Monday. However, the amount of rainfall was limited, and temperatures are expected to rise with drier air throughout the week. This forecast suggests the likelihood of more wildfires unless people adhere to burn bans and practice fire safety measures.
Philip Jackson, a spokesperson for the North Carolina Forest Service, emphasized the importance of respecting the statewide ban on all open burning to prevent further wildfires.
