In response to the ongoing wildfires in Western North Carolina and the continued drought conditions throughout the state, on Nov. 8, Gov. Roy Cooper declared a State of Emergency. The emergency area includes the following counties: 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, Swain, Transylvania, Union, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey counties as well as tribal lands in the state of North Carolina held by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

Since Oct. 25, there have been multiple active wildfires in Western North Carolina in addition to wildfires in Virginia near the NC border.
North Transylvania Fire Rescue Station 13/Facebook
The purpose of the Executive Order is to support and help coordinate emergency response operations among North Carolina organizations and officials to ensure the protection and safety of the state residents.
Mitchell County Firefighters Association/Facebook
Due to the hazardous wildfire and severe drought conditions, the N.C. Forest Service has canceled all burning permits and implemented an open burning ban in 30 counties.
EBCI Cherokee Fire and Rescue/Facebook

Related Stories

Sapphire is the Perfect Southeastern Winter Travel Destination

Sapphire is the Perfect Southeastern Winter Travel Destination

 If North Carolina Had An Official News Anchor/Reporter, We Would Nominate Renee Chou

If North Carolina Had An Official News Anchor/Reporter, We Would Nominate Renee Chou

 Few People Know The Real Story About North Carolina's Eugenics Program

Few People Know The Real Story About North Carolina's Eugenics Program
On top of that, several counties have issued their own burning bans or local states of emergency.
N.C. Forest Service/Facebook
"This emergency declaration will help facilitate getting the needed resources to combat these wildfires, to save lives and property, and to support our local jurisdictions and agencies, as well as state partners who are engaged in fighting these fires,” said Will Ray, Director of North Carolina Emergency Management.
N.C. Forest Service/Facebook
We are so proud of our firefighters and others who walk toward danger every day.
Airborne pieces of wood can be carried more than a mile and cause homes to ignite, but ways exist for homeowners to prepare for ember attacks.
Franklin Fire - Rescue/Facebook
Discover more on the National Fire Protection Association website.
Last year, the N.C. Forest Service personnel responded to about 6,200 wildfires; by comparison, last year in California, a state three times the size of North Carolina, there were 7,900 wildfires.
N.C. Forest Service/Facebook
Just about all of those wildfires that burn every year are caused by humans: Please spread prevention, not wildfire.

For more information about the ongoing wildfires in Western North Carolina, read the executive order on the Governor of North Carolina website. And consider finding a thank-you gift for your favorite firefighter on Etsy.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore North Carolina

Featured Addresses
North Carolina Executive Mansion, 200 N Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA