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 Rio De Janeiro Sun.

More Information

null in null

South America

Section

"Historic and warm visit marking 50 years of ties": MEA Secretary Lal on President Murmu's Portugal trip

Lisbon [Portugal], April 9 (ANI): President Droupadi Murmu's state visit to Portugal marked a significant milestone in the diplomatic...

"President's strategy already bearing fruit...": Trump's Trade Representative defends tariff move at Senate hearing

Washington, DC [US], April 8 (ANI): US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer testified before the Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday...

ISSF WC: Suruchi arrives with gold in women's air pistol

Buenos Aires [Argentina], April 8 (ANI): It was day six at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun...

ISSF WC: Narmada finishes 6th in women's air rifle, Sonam 8th

New Delhi [India], April 8 (ANI): India finished outside the medals in the only final of competition day five of the on-going (ISSF)...

Brazil's Lula to attend Moscow WWII victory celebrations - envoy

The South American nation's leader has accepted Vladimir Putin's invitation for the May 9 event, the Russian ambassador has said ...

Brazils Lula to attend Moscow WWII victory celebrations envoy

The South American nations leader has accepted Vladimir Putins invitation for the May 9 event, the Russian ambassador has said Brazilian...

International

Section

IRS begins major layoffs, civil rights office hit first

IRS starts laying off 20,000 workers, eliminates civil rights office

WASHINGTON, D.C.: The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) began laying off workers late last week, according to an email sent to staff,...

Civilians and Hostages Face Starvation and Continuous Bombardment

Israeli Hostages in Dire Condition Amid Escalating Humanitarian Crisis

GAZA STRIP - As the conflict in Gaza intensifies, the humanitarian crisis has reached unprecedented levels. The death toll has risen...

Georgia Senate passes bill to ban DEI programs in schools and colleges

Georgia bill to ban DEI in schools and colleges passed

ATLANTA, Georgia: Georgia senators ended the 39th day of their 2025 session this week by approving a bill that would ban diversity,...

AlabamIncreasingly, states are attempting to limit or ban the use of phones in schools. Many people worry that phones distract students and that too much screen time and social media can harm mental health.a House moves to ban cellphones in public schools

Alabama lawmakers advance proposed ban on cellphones in school

MONTGOMERY, Alabama: Alabama's House of Representatives has passed a bill that would stop students from using cellphones in public...

Japan’s auto industry at risk from new US tariffs, says UN agency

UN agency: Japan could lose $17 billion in car exports from US tariffs

GENEVA, Switzerland: Japan's car industry is facing a multibillion-dollar blow as sweeping U.S. auto tariffs threaten its largest export...

Ocean Liner to become largest artificial reef in the world off Florida

Historic ocean liner will soon be world's largest artificial reef

TALLAHASSEE, Florida: A famous old ocean liner, the SS United States, will soon become the world's biggest artificial reef off the...