Firefighters are currently battling against a staggering number of over 175 wildfires across the states of North and South Carolina, while the looming threats of severe storms and tornadoes add to the already challenging situation. These devastating wildfires ravaged through the area over the weekend, fueled by dry conditions and low humidity, as reported by the National Weather Service. The severity of the fires has led to evacuation orders being issued across both states.
As efforts are being made to contain the blazes in North Carolina, the state is bracing for an enhanced risk of severe storms scheduled for Wednesday between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. The National Weather Service in Raleigh, North Carolina, has highlighted the “main hazards” to be “damaging straight line winds and isolated tornadoes.” Additionally, there is a forecast for numerous severe thunderstorms moving across Charleston, South Carolina, as outlined by the National Weather Service in Charleston.
The escalating situation has prompted an Enhanced Risk of severe storms on Wednesday, with the main severe risk window identified between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., featuring damaging straight line winds and isolated tornadoes as the primary hazards. Preparedness is crucial, including having a plan in place to receive watches and warnings.
The North Carolina Forest Service has reported dozens of fires across the state, with one of the biggest active blazes being the Melrose Fire located in Polk County, North Carolina, approximately 85 miles west of Charlotte. This fire has engulfed a vast area of 593 acres and is currently 63% contained, leading to mandatory evacuation orders within the county.
As of Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. ET, the North Carolina Forest Service’s website revealed that a total of 189 fires have scorched approximately 2,235 acres across the state. This figure includes a mix of active, controlled, contained, and reported fires.
Responding to the escalating wildfire crisis, the South Carolina Forestry Commission declared a statewide burning ban prohibiting all outdoor burning activities including yard debris burning, prescribed burning, and campfires. The ban was issued in response to 102 wildfire ignitions recorded on Saturday alone, highlighting the strain on agency firefighters to respond effectively as the situation unfolds.
Contributing to this report were Christopher Cann and Thao Nguyen; USA TODAY’s trending reporter Julia can be reached on LinkedIn, and followed on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok: @juliamariegz. For inquiries, email jgomez@gannett.com. This article initially appeared on USA TODAY, providing insights on the Carolina wildfires and offering access to the wildfire maps for tracking the ongoing crisis.
