Since their start in January 2025 and reignition in early March, fires in the Carolinas have continued to rip through over 6,000 acres of land. South Carolina was hit first by fires in January, but they had been extinguished until the start of the Persimmon Ridge Fire and the Table Rock State Park Fire on March 1st. However, they are 100% contained as of April 9th. Later in January, McDowell County in North Carolina was hit by a wildfire that lasted several days but was contained shortly after. Despite the quick response to the McDowell fire, 3 more wildfires started on March 21st. One of these is the Fish Hook Fire, which was contained on Sunday, 3/30; the Deep Woods Fire and the Black Cove Fire are ongoing as of March 30th. 

The main reason these fires are spreading so extensively is due to the ample amounts of fuel on the ground. “In my career, 20-year career, this is the most fuel I’ve seen on the ground,” stated North Carolina Forest Service spokesperson Jeremy Waldrop. The cause of all this ground fuel is from Hurricane Helene back in September of 2024. The hurricane left trees and leaves all over North and South Carolina, which created a breeding ground for wildfire. The fires started from a large mix of negligence, like careless debris burning, and arson. 

The Governor of South Carolina declared a state of emergency due to the wildfires, and a code red air quality alert has been issued for the area. “Visibility in the area will be reduced, and roads/evacuation routes can become blocked; if you do not leave now, you could be trapped, injured, or killed,” stated the Department of Public Safety on an X post. Over 23,000 acres have been burned as of April 9th, but the Black Cove Fire is closing in on full containment, being at 97% also as of April 9th.