High Wildfire Risk Persists in Western North Carolina Despite Recent Rainfall
Western North Carolina continues to face a significant wildfire risk, highlighted by a recent report from the U.S. Drought Monitor, which classified the region as abnormally dry following a notably dry October. Despite recent rainfall, experts warn that conditions remain ripe for wildfires.
Philip Jackson, public information officer for the North Carolina Forest Service, noted that while the recent rains offer temporary relief, they have not eliminated the underlying risks. “We’re really just an ignition source away from a wildfire,” he stated, emphasizing the precarious situation amid low humidity and abundant dry fuel caused by vegetation damaged by Tropical Storm Helene.
In November alone, the North Carolina Forest Service responded to over 1,200 wildfires, contributing to a total of approximately 2,000 incidents occurring during the peak wildfire season from October to December. Significant fires, including the Collett Ridge wildfire and the Poplar Drive fire, burned thousands of acres.
The aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene complicates firefighting efforts, crippling access to remote homes and communities due to washed-out roads and fallen trees. Jackson pointed out that the wreckage limits the use of heavy firefighting equipment, posing additional challenges for wildfire management.
The region’s growing population inhabiting areas near forested lands has resulted in a complex wildland-urban interface, where the risk of property damage increases. With approximately 80% of wildfires caused by human activity, authorities are urging caution, especially concerning backyard burning of storm debris—a critical issue given the recent lifting of burning permits in 21 counties.
As the N.C. Forest Service prepares for an abnormally active fire season, the agency faces a shortage of firefighters and continues to strategize wildfire mitigation while supporting private landowners in managing their forest resources. The risk remains high, and Jackson warns that the debris left by the storm could exacerbate wildfire dangers in the coming years.
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