North Carolina fire officials are warning that this fall’s wildfire season could be severe due to debris from Hurricane Helene, which has affected 822,000 acres of forest land in western North Carolina. The debris, which remains on the ground and has dried out over the past year, poses a long-term threat as it can fuel wildfires for the next five to ten years. It complicates firefighting efforts, making terrain navigation difficult. In 2025, the state saw an increase in wildfires connected to this debris, notably with the Black Cove Complex Fire in March. Local fire departments urge residents to clear brush and debris around their homes to mitigate risks.
Source link
