Six months after Helene’s devastation, western North Carolina is facing a new challenge from the storm: Rapidly growing wildfires. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As wildfires continue to spread in western North Carolina, Weather Impact Chief Meteorologist Brad Panovich emphasized the impact of Hurricane Helene, which created prime conditions for wildfires.  Thursday marked six months since Helene caused widespread devastation in the Carolinas, including catastrophic flooding and landslides in the mountains. In an interview on WCNC+, Panovich…

Hurricane recovery has been a focal point of Stein’s agenda since taking office, as he signed a $500 million relief package into law this month. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Thursday marks six months since Hurricane Helene tore through the South, causing devastation from south Florida to western North Carolina and east Tennessee.  Gov. Josh Stein will be in Fairview to honor the lives lost in Helene. The storm is responsible for at least 248 deaths nationwide,…

With fires spreading, evacuations have been issued for Polk, Henderson, Rutherford, Greenville and Pickens counties in the Carolinas. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Wildfires in both North Carolina and South Carolina are continuing to spread with litte-to-no containment. The biggest fires are within 20 miles of each other. In North Carolina, the Black Cove, Deep Woods and Fish Hook fires are now being tracked under the consolidated umbrella of the Black Cove complex. The fires, which started…

With fires spreading, evacuations have been issued for Polk, Henderson, Rutherford, Greenville and Pickens counties in the Carolinas. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Wildfires in both North Carolina and South Carolina are continuing to spread with litte-to-no containment. The biggest fires are within 20 miles of each other. In North Carolina, the Black Cove, Deep Woods and Fish Hook fires are now being tracked under the consolidated umbrella of the Black Cove complex. The fires, which started…

The North Carolina National Guard rescued an injured firefighter trapped by a falling tree during wildfire operations in western North Carolina. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The North Carolina National Guard rescued a firefighter injured while combating wildfires in western North Carolina on Tuesday. The firefighter sustained injuries during clearing operations approximately 20 miles south of Asheville. While on duty, a falling tree trapped the firefighter, resulting in a serious leg injury. A specialized seven-member rescue team,…

Polk County Emergency Management on Friday afternoon issued a mandatory evacuation for all residents of the Piney Gate area. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Three massive wildfires continue to burn thousands of acres in western North Carolina.  With over 5,000 acres burned, two of the biggest fires remain uncontained. As of Tuesday, the Black Cove Fire had burned an estimated 3,046 acres and was 0% contained. The Deep Woods Fire is approximately 2,923 acres and also 0% contained….