Three major wildfires still erupted in one North Carolina county, which is still recovering from Hurricane Helen, exploded to burn more than 3,000 acres as the governor of South Carolina declared a state of emergency in response to wildfire growth in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The North Carolina Department of Public Safety has announced a forced evacuation that begins Saturday at 8:20pm in parts of Polk County, North Carolina, about 80 miles (129km) west of Charlotte.
“It could reduce visibility in the area and block road/evacuation routes. If you don't leave now, you could be trapped, injured or killed,” the agency said in a social media post.
The Department of Public Safety said the shelter was established in Columbus, North Carolina.
The two biggest wildfires in Polk County, Black Cove, which burned 2,076 acres, and Deep Woods, which burned 1,700 acres, were zero containment. Fish hook fire, which burned 1,713 acres, contained 50%.
According to the North Carolina Forest Service, Hurricane Helen was swept away in September, all burning about 30 miles southeast of Asheville. The fallen trees left behind from the hurricane have helped burn not only low humidity and dry vegetation, but also the fire that ignited last week, officials said.
“It's not only about strong winds, low humidity and steep terrain, but also about UTV trails, regular roads and storm debris that we're in on foot because we have so many trees,” Cannon said. CBS Affiliate WSPA.
The dense smoke from the wildfires spurred Polk County's “Code Red” air quality alert. North Carolina Forest Service Warned in a social media post All residents should avoid long-term exposure and intense outdoor exercise.
Cannon said Polk County residents are “very resilient” after enduring the final round of wildfires with Helen earlier this month.
North Carolina has now become a statewide burn ban during dangerous fire weather. The state forest department reminded residents that the ban is in force until further notice.
The threat of wildfires was felt in nearby South Carolina, and Gov. Henry McMaster on Saturday was felt as part of an effort to stop the fires in Pickens County, a table-lock fire.
By South Carolina Forestry Commission Sunday I've reported it The fire grew to 300 acres and contained 0%.
“As this wildfire continues to spread, emergency situations will allow us to mobilise resources quickly and ensure the assistance firefighters need to protect lives and property,” McMaster said in a statement issued Friday by the South Carolina Forestry Commission, which tightened the statewide outdoor burning ban.
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Local firefighters called for voluntary evacuation on Saturday for some residents near Tablerock Mountain, the Forestry Commission said in a social media post.
The Pickens County Sheriff's Office posted an update on Sunday. The agency said it continues to work to contain the fire, supported by the successful backburn process. Support from helicopters and air tankers continues until sunset. Residents were advised that evacuation was in effect and Table Rock State Park was closed until further notice.
Meanwhile, New Jersey forest firefighters are fighting a wildfire that broke out in the forests of Wharton on Saturday. The fire had spent about 2.7 square miles (7 square kilometers) as of early Sunday morning. Firefighters included about half of the flame, according to an 8am update on the service's Facebook page.
Emergency officials said two campsites in the park had been evacuated. Eight buildings were located near the fire, but the flames moved away from them and the structure was not evacuated.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
