Carolinas likely face wildfire problems 'for the next several years' after Helene, official says

Gusty winds make for difficult firefight in Carolinas

Fire Weather Warnings have once again been issued in the Carolinas as conditions favorable for the spread of fires returns to the area. Moisture is expected to increase across the region on Saturday, reducing the fire threat.

POLK COUNTY, N.C. – New Fire Weather Warnings were issued Friday across parts of western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina amid a nearly weeklong battle with wildfires that are burning some of the same areas devastated by Hurricane Helene six months ago.

According to the FOX Forecast Center, winds are forecast to pick up Friday afternoon. Combined with low humidity, conditions are ripe for the rapid enhancement of the ongoing fires, which have already scorched more than 18,000 acres across the Carolinas.

Both states are under statewide burn bans Friday due to the heightened fire danger, and both governors declared states of emergency earlier in the week.

Meanwhile, officials said lingering damage and debris from Hurricane Helene has significantly hampered the firefighting effort. 

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Helene's impact to be felt for ‘next several years’

At a news conference Friday morning, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster emphasized the major role debris from Helene is playing in the wildfire spread.

"You've seen the movie ‘The Perfect Storm?’" McMaster asked. "Well, this might be the perfect fire because we have two events that have joined together, and one was the Hurricane Helene, (which) was not expected to be in this part of the state."

Scott Phillips, the state forester of South Carolina, said that while debris on roadsides is providing fuel for the flames, more critically, it's preventing firefighters from accessing key areas.

"Access is a major issue. With, with the downed fuels we have from Hurricane Helene, it will be a continuing issue for the next several years likely," Phillips said. "It's going to change the way we have to attack fires in the mountains of South Carolina and in the Hurricane Helene-impacted areas."

South Carolina officials said they're fortunate no buildings have been destroyed, and no injuries have been reported.

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Fire weather alerts

Winds are forecast to blow from the northeastern direction Friday afternoon. According to the FOX Forecast Center, gusts are expected to be in the 20-25 mph range with a few gusts, especially along ridge tops, over 30 mph. Those gusts will taper off around sunset. Humidity is expected to increase across the region on Saturday, reducing the fire threat.

Parts of Georgia, Tennessee and Virginia are under Elevated Fire Danger.

VIDEO SHOWS INTENSE FLAMES AROUND FLORIDA HOMES AS DOZENS OF WILDFIRES BURN ACROSS STATE

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Firefighters brace for increased winds Friday

The largest wildfire is the Table Rock Fire, which has burned more than 8,000 acres in upstate South Carolina and is straddling the North Carolina state line. 

South Carolina firefighters said Friday morning that their main objective is to create containment lines with bulldozers and perform targeted burnouts ahead of the wildfire's anticipated direction. They're also hoping combined resources can hold the firelines.

"Today, one of our main priorities for the team is fully integrating [North Carolina firefighters] with the South Carolina group and bridging all of those gaps," said Derrick Moore, operations section chief with the Southern Area Blue Team.

The Table Rock Fire remains at 0% containment.

The Black Cover Fire complex threatening Polk and Henderson counties in North Carolina is the highest priority fire in that state, according to forestry officials.

It has burned more than 3,000 acres and is 17% contained as of Thursday evening. The fire destroyed more than a dozen homes in Polk County on Tuesday.

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Wildfire burns in South Carolina state park

Video shows a wildfire burning in Table Rock State Park in Pickens, South Carolina. (Courtesy: Genevieve Caplette)

Unhealthy air quality begins to spread across wildfire region

Degrading air quality has become a growing concern for the region as wildfire smoke expands. 

North Carolina's Department of Environmental Quality has extended air quality advisories through Friday. In particular, people in Transylvania and Henderson counties are advised to avoid long or intense outdoor activities due to the smoke from the Table Rock Fire in South Carolina.

Drivers are being told to be alert for smoke along Interstate 26.

There are now at least seven areas of wildfire smoke impacting North Carolina air quality, officials said. 

The Rattlesnake Branch Fire in Cruso, North Carolina, grew to at least 400 acres and is sending smoke to nearby Asheville.

Air quality in Asheville and Flat Rock in North Carolina dropped into the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category Thursday. 

Video from Asheville showed the smoky haze filling the skies. Air quality conditions in Greenville and Spartanburg in South Carolina are only faring a little better.

Smoky skies over Asheville, NC

Hazy skies covered Asheville, N.C. as wildfires raged nearby in western North Carolina.