Governor Josh Stein has extended the State of Emergency for wildfires affecting 34 counties in western North Carolina. The extension will be in effect for an additional 30 days.
The Governor expressed gratitude, stating, “I appreciate all of the first responders, emergency managers, state forest rangers, and state and local officials working hard to protect North Carolinians from wildfires.” He emphasized the necessity of extending the emergency to ensure that responders have all resources needed to protect people and their properties.
North Carolina Emergency Management Director Will Ray praised the efforts of local emergency managers and public safety personnel. “I remain incredibly proud of our state’s local emergency managers and public safety personnel, and they have done a tremendous job with managing these wildfires since March,” Ray said. He highlighted the critical role these teams have played in public safety, including issuing evacuation orders, opening shelters, and collaborating with state and federal forest services.
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler noted the intense start to the spring wildfire season, which has already involved 2,348 wildfire incidents affecting over 23,000 acres. “The spring wildfire season is off to a very busy start, which has kept the N.C. Forest Service, first responders and emergency management staff on their toes,” he said, acknowledging the measures taken due to the heightened wildfire risk in the region.
Communities experiencing dry conditions and recurrent wildfire activity continue to be supported by the State Emergency Response Team. They are collaborating with the North Carolina Forest Service and county management offices to ensure first responders and forest services have the necessary resources.
Since March, the State Emergency Response Team has provided vital assistance to counties, coordinating with North Carolina Emergency Management, the Office of State Fire Marshal, and the North Carolina Forest Service. They have deployed firefighters, equipment, and supplies to affected communities. Alert systems have been used through the 24-Hour Watch Center to inform residents potentially in the path of a wildfire.
Counties included in the State of Emergency are Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Iredell, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Polk, Rowan, Rutherford, Stanly, Swain, Transylvania, Union, Watauga, Wilkes, Yancey, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ tribal lands.
