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The fight against the devastating wildfires raging across North and South Carolina continues, as firefighters struggle with hazardous conditions.

The aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which left behind downed trees and debris, has exacerbated the spread of the fires, leading officials to call the situation "an absolute travesty."

“In my 20-year career, this is the most fuel I’ve seen on the ground,” North Carolina Forest Service spokesman Jeremy Waldrop told WLOS-TV in Asheville.

South Carolina Declares State of Emergency

South Carolina is battling the large Table Rock Fire in Pickens County, prompting Governor Henry McMaster to issue a state of emergency.

The declaration allows the state to quickly mobilize resources and provide firefighters with the necessary support to protect lives and property.

New evacuation orders were issued on Wednesday for Greenville and Pickens counties as the South Carolina Forestry Commission worked to contain the nearly 2,300-acre fire.

“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,” McMaster said.

Multiple Devastating Wildfires Blaze Across the Carolinas

The Carolinas are experiencing a widespread wildfire crisis, with thousands of acres burned and strong winds worsening the situation. South Carolina's forestry commission reported that dry conditions and gusty winds caused two major wildfires to expand rapidly on Tuesday:

• Table Rock Fire (Pickens County) – Over 2,200 acres burned and still active.
• Persimmon Ridge Fire (Greenville County) – 996 acres burned and remains uncontained.

“Extreme fire behavior on both incidents today prompted immediate mandatory evacuations in Greenville and Pickens counties and led to significant expansion of both fires’ perimeters,” the commission said.

More than 100 personnel from multiple agencies, including the state fire department, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, and local emergency crews, are actively working to contain the fires.

North Carolina Fires Force Evacuations

In North Carolina, three active wildfires in Polk County have prompted evacuation orders:

• Black Cove Fire (near Saluda) – Over 3,000 acres burned and remains uncontrolled.
• Deep Woods Fire (near Columbus) – More than 2,900 acres burned and is not contained.
• Fish Hook Fire (near Lake Adger) – 199 acres burned, with 72% containment.

The North Carolina Department of Public Safety issued mandatory evacuation orders on March 22 for parts of Polk County, warning residents of potential roadblocks and reduced visibility due to heavy smoke.

“If you do not leave now, you could be trapped, injured, or killed,” the department stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Nearly 250 firefighting personnel are on the ground working to contain the fires, which have already destroyed at least 11 homes. Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries.

Air Quality Concerns and Fire Bans

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality issued a Code Red air quality alert for Polk County due to dense smoke, warning that prolonged exposure could be hazardous to public health.

“Code Red means prolonged exposure to the air may be unhealthy for anyone,” the department cautioned.

Both North and South Carolina had previously implemented statewide burn bans due to hazardous wildfire conditions.

Weather Offers Temporary Relief, but Fire Risk Remains

Rain showers and increased humidity provided some relief for firefighters late Sunday into Monday as a cold front passed through the region. However, dry weather is expected to persist throughout the rest of the week, increasing fire risks.

“The combination of low relative humidity and drier fuels will increase fire danger through Saturday,” the National Weather Service warned.

As authorities continue to combat the devastating wildfires, residents are urged to remain vigilant and adhere to evacuation orders to ensure their safety.