North Carolina governor declares state of emergency as wildfires burn in mountains

RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency Wednesday to help fight wildfires, especially in the western part of the state, where an outdoor burning ban is in place.

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The declaration makes it easier to coordinate the emergency response and ensure the right equipment and people get into place to fight the fires.

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An outdoor burning ban is in effect for 30 counties, mostly along and west of Interstate 77, the North Carolina Forest Service said.

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An unusually dry fall is combining with above-average temperatures to increase fire danger, especially in the mountains, officials said. The area is in moderate to severe drought and conditions are getting worse.

A cold front moving through at the end of the week should lower temperatures, but with only spotty showers expected, the fire danger will likely continue.

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Forestry officials reported six active wildfires west of I-77 including what they are calling the Poplar Drive Fire in Henderson County, which has burned a home and a cabin and is threatening other structures.

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