Wildfires continue burning across North Carolina and South Carolina: See map
Wildfires continue burning across North Carolina and South Carolina: See map
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Smoke billows from Polk County wildfire as evacuations ordered
The massive smoke cloud from the Black Cove Fire in Polk County, North Carolina, was seen wafting skyward.
Wildfires have returned to the Carolinas, prompting another state of emergency, according to officials.
On Saturday, March 22, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster issued a state of emergency due to the Table Rock Fire in Pickens County, around 119 miles southwest of Charlotte, North Carolina, according to a press release published by the governor's office.
"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 in a statement. "Given the elevated risk of wildfires throughout the state, the statewide burning ban will remain in effect until further notice. Anyone who violates this ban can and will go to jail."
The fire ignited on Friday, March 21, according to the press release.
As of Monday morning, the fire is about 1,300 acres, according to USA TODAY's data. The cause of the fire is unknown.
Carolinas wildfire map
Wildfires: State of emergency declared as wildfires rage out of control in the Carolinas
Fires break out near areas affected by Hurrican Helene
Areas affected by the devastating hurricane in 2024 are now being hit by the wildfires, according to the Guardian.
The wildfires also forced mandatory evacuations over the weekend in both North and South Carolina, reported ABC 11 and The Guardian.
How many wildfires are in North and South Carolina?
As of Monday morning, South Carolina faces 29 wildfires that burn across nearly 3,310 acres, according to the South Carolina's Forestry Commission.
In North Carolina, there are 144 fires that span across just over 3,570 acres, according to the North Carolina Forest Service wildfire map.
Due to weather conditions, both states have placed a statewide ban on all outdoor burning, according to a media advisory.
"In all cases, burning trash, lumber, tires, newspapers, plastics or other nonvegetative material is illegal," wrote the North Carolina Forest Service in its media advisory.
Campfires are also not exempt from the ban.
"Forestry Commission officials say weather conditions over the next several days present a greatly elevated risk of wildfire," the advisory stated. "The high winds and gusts that prompted the agency to issue a Red Flag Fire Alert yesterday are expected to persist across the state through the weekend."
US Wildfires map
The Southeastern U.S., including North and South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Florida and parts of Louisiana and Mississippi, has a higher than average wildland fire potential throughout March, according to the National Weather Service.
Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. You can connect with her on LinkedIn, follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@gannett.com
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