Key takeaways:

• Mandatory evacuations have been ordered in North Carolina's Polk County due to rapidly spreading wildfires.
• South Carolina has declared a state of emergency as wildfires grow in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
• Both states are grappling with conditions exacerbated by Hurricane Helene, which devastated the region in September.

Multiple wildfires are currently ravaging North and South Carolina, prompting mandatory evacuation orders and the declaration of states of emergency in both states. The National Weather Service has warned of critically dry fuels and low humidity, contributing to the increased fire danger across the regions.

On Saturday evening, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety issued a compulsory evacuation for parts of Polk County, located approximately 80 miles west of Charlotte. They warned residents through a social media post that “visibility in area will be reduced and roads/evacuation routes can become blocked; if you do not leave now, you could be trapped, injured, or killed” according to TRT Global. A shelter has been set up in Columbus, North Carolina, as emergency services fight multiple active fires.

As of now, there are three active wildfires reported in Polk County, with additional blazes in Burke, Madison, and Stokes counties. The largest fires, which include the Black Cove and Deep Wood Fire, have expanded significantly, causing over 2,000 acres to remain uncontained. The North Carolina Forest Service indicates that about 250 firefighting personnel are engaged in protective efforts against the advancing flames.

Simultaneously, South Carolina's Governor Henry McMaster declared an emergency in response to the Table Rock Fire in Pickens County, which has been fueled by dry conditions. As conditions deteriorate, residents are urged to heed evacuation guidelines to avoid potentially dangerous situations. McMaster emphasized that anyone violating the state's burning ban “can and will go to jail” according to India Times.

Both North Carolina and South Carolina are still recovering from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which devastated various communities and infrastructures in September, complicating current firefighting efforts. The hurricane already wreaked havoc on thousands of miles of roads, highlighting the severity of the fire threat as emergency management teams mobilize resources quickly to protect lives and property.

The situation remains fluid, with officials continuing to monitor weather conditions and coordinating evacuation efforts, maintaining a proactive stance in their firefighting operations. The public is advised to remain vigilant during this critical time and follow local authorities for updates on safety measures.

Residents are advised to stay informed about the ongoing wildfires and adhere to any public safety measures provided by emergency management teams throughout the affected regions.