Wildfire Emergency Declared in Both Carolinas as Multiple Blazes Spread

North and South Carolina have declared states of emergency as multiple wildfires continue to burn, forcing evacuations and threatening communities, with the National Weather Service (NWS) warning of increased fire danger in the Carolinas—mainly due to critically dry fuels and low relative humidity.

Newsweek reached out to the North Carolina and South Carolina Department of Public Safety via email on Sunday for comment.

Why It Matters

The wildfires pose immediate danger to communities already struggling to rebuild after Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact on western North Carolina when it struck last year. Earlier this month, more than 175 fires burned across 6.6 square miles in South Carolina.

Officials warn that deteriorating conditions could trap residents who delay evacuation, with reduced visibility and blocked roads creating potentially life-threatening situations.

The emergency declarations enable rapid mobilization of resources as dry conditions elevate fire risks throughout both states. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has emphasized that anyone violating the burning ban “can and will go to jail,” highlighting the severity of the situation.

What To Know

In North Carolina, a mandatory evacuation order was issued Saturday evening for parts of Polk County as three active fires spread in an area still recovering from Helene. The state is battling three active fires in Polk County alone, with the two largest spanning between 1.7 and 1.9 square miles. Additional fires are burning in Burke, Madison, and Stokes counties.

In South Carolina, the Table Rock fire in Pickens County has prompted voluntary evacuations of residents near Table Rock Mountain, and all trails at Table Rock State Park are closed until further notice. Four aircraft are providing aviation support in the state, including forestry commission planes and a law enforcement helicopter dropping water. McMaster declared a state of emergency Saturday in response to the fire, which has grown from an initially reported 35-plus acres to approximately 110 acres.

A statewide outdoor burning ban remains in effect across South Carolina.

What People Are Saying

North Carolina Department of Public Safety in a statement: “Visibility in area will be reduced and roads/evacuation routes can become blocked; if you do not leave now, you could be trapped, injured, or killed.”

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein in a Sunday post to X, formerly Twitter: “I’m concerned about the wildfires in Polk County, where people are already struggling due to Mother Nature. I thank FEMA for approving North Carolina’s Fire Management Assistance Grant. Stay safe and please continue to listen to emergency guidance around evacuation orders.”

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster said in a statement: “As this wildfire continues to spread, the State of Emergency allows us to mobilize resources quickly and ensure our firefighters have the support they need to protect lives and property.”

Darryl Jones, South Carolina Forestry Commission fire chief, in a statement: “We always urge all South Carolinians to stay vigilant against wildfire, but the best way people can do that right now is to take seriously – and abide by – the Forestry Commission’s current statewide burning ban.”

What Happens Next?

Fire crews in North and South Carolina have continued emergency operations with ground personnel, machinery, and aerial support from helicopters and air tankers.

Officials will continue to monitor weather conditions that could affect fire behavior. Emergency management teams are coordinating evacuation efforts and shelter operations for displaced residents.

The Pickens County Sheriff’s Office has advised the public to avoid state Highway 11 near the Table Rock fire. Authorities will continue investigating the cause of these wildfires while focusing on containment efforts to protect lives and property.