Multiple wildfires have been raging in North Carolina’s Polk County, amidst a surge of spring wildfires across the Southern U.S. Fueled by strong winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation, the fires have destroyed dozens of structures and burned thousands of acres. The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has worsened the situation, with debris providing additional fuel for the fires.
In North Carolina, the Black Cove and Deep Woods Fires near Saluda have burned over 6,000 acres and destroyed at least 20 structures. Fire experts note that while wildfires are common in the Southeast at this time of year, the extent and risk this year are unusual.
The fires are expected to continue until rain and higher humidity return, which may happen by the end of the weekend. Strong winds and low humidity have been causing the fires to spread, with some areas still recovering from the impact of Hurricane Helene.
Nearly all fires in the Southeast are human-caused, typically by accidents like unattended backyard fires or burning debris. Hurricane Helene has contributed to the fuel for the fires, with over 820,000 acres of forest damage in the southern Appalachians.
The National Interagency Fire Center issued a fuels and fire behavior advisory for the region, warning of the rapidly drying leaf litter and fine fuels left in the wake of Helene. The forecast shows a potential for thunderstorms by Sunday into Monday, which may help dampen the fires.
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