Wildfires in North and South Carolina fueled by Hurricane Helene

Wildfires rage in Carolinas as dry winds, downed trees fuel flames

Robert Besser
01 Apr 2025, 11:28 GMT+10

Wildfires in North and South Carolina fueled by Hurricane Helene

Dry weather, strong winds, and fallen trees from Hurricane Helene have sparked wildfires in North Carolina and South Carolina, prompting evacuation orders this week
Many people are still recovering from the hurricane that hit in September, making it even harder to fight the fires, said Bo Dossett from the North Carolina Forest Service
The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for parts of South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia

RALEIGH/COLUMBIA: Dry weather, strong winds, and fallen trees from Hurricane Helene have sparked wildfires in North Carolina and South Carolina, prompting evacuation orders this week.

Many people are still recovering from the hurricane that hit in September, making it even harder to fight the fires, said Bo Dossett from the North Carolina Forest Service. The downed trees from the storm are fueling the fires and making them harder to control.

The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for parts of South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. Winds of 10 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph, could help the fires spread quickly.

Officials ordered evacuations in Polk County, North Carolina, where three fires have burned nearly 10 square miles. Two of the fires are still not under control. A fire known as the Black Cove Fire was sparked by a fallen power line; however, the cause of the other fires remains unknown. Henderson County also issued voluntary evacuation orders and opened a shelter.

In South Carolina, two fires at Table Rock State Park and Persimmon Ridge have burned over two square miles. Officials said both fires were caused by human activity. No homes have been destroyed, but about 100 homes were under voluntary evacuation orders over the weekend.

Experts say that Hurricane Helene left behind a significant amount of dry fuel, and the region's current dry weather is exacerbating the situation. Although some rain has fallen recently, most of the Carolinas continue to experience dry or drought conditions.

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Johannesburg Life.

More Information

null in null

International

Section

Wildfires rage in Carolinas as dry winds, downed trees fuel flames

RALEIGH/COLUMBIA: Dry weather, strong winds, and fallen trees from Hurricane Helene have sparked wildfires in North Carolina and South...

Red Cross outraged after killing of Gazan ambulance crews

Eight bodies of 9 missing Red Cross medics found in Gaza

GENEVA,.Switzerland - The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has expressed profound outrage following...

Tesla to launch in Saudi Arabia next month after years of tension

Tesla to launch in Saudi Arabia as Musk and kingdom mend relations

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia: Tesla is finally entering Saudi Arabia, with a launch scheduled for next month—marking a significant shift in...

Apple likely to escape EU fine after browser changes

Apple set to stave off EU fine over browser options, sources say

BRUSSELS, Belgium: Apple appears to have dodged a major regulatory setback in Europe, following recent changes to how users select...

FBI probing increased violence against Tesla

FBI says it is probing 'increase in violent activity toward Tesla'

WASHINGTON, D.C: FBI Director Kash Patel said this week the bureau was probing what he called the increase in violent activity toward...

Alarm over nine Red Cross personnel going missing in Gaza

Concern after disappearance of 9 Red Cross medics in Gaza

GAZA - Israel is refusing to allow search parties to access an area where 9 Red Cross ambulance crew members have gone missing in Gaza....

Africa

Section

Wildfires rage in Carolinas as dry winds, downed trees fuel flames

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

International

Wildfires rage in Carolinas as dry winds, downed trees fuel flames

Red Cross outraged after killing of Gazan ambulance crews

Tesla to launch in Saudi Arabia next month after years of tension

Apple likely to escape EU fine after browser changes

FBI probing increased violence against Tesla

Alarm over nine Red Cross personnel going missing in Gaza

Africa

67,000 Seek U.S. Refugee Status Under Trump’s White Minority Plan

INSV Tarini reaches Cape Town, completing fourth leg of Navika Sagar Parikrama II

Vandana Katariya bids adieu to international hockey: A journey of success, legacy

SKY is a joke, glad he is in our team: Rickelton left gobsmacked by Suryakumar's trademark shot

"Never thought about this, just did my process": Ashwani Kumar reflects on dream IPL debut

UAE President exchanges Eid Al-Fitr greetings with Presidents of Iraq, Algeria and Prime Minister of Pakistan

Movie Review

Soft & Quiet