Firefighters continue preparing firebreaks and protecting structures in anticipation of elevated temperatures, high winds and low humidity.

High temperatures, strong winds and low humidity are causing a group of wildfires to spread rapidly through western North Carolina, risking further damage to areas already ravaged by Hurricane Helene.

Strong winds and low humidity could create worsening conditions in the Carolinas on Friday, as wildfires continue to rage throughout both states, officials said.

In Stein’s state, three fires were burning in Polk County, where people were under mandatory evacuation orders. The area, which is home to approximately 20,000 North Carolinians, was impacted by debris leftover by Hurricane Helene last year.

Dry conditions, wind and trees downed by Hurricane Helene fueled wildfires in North Carolina and South Carolina, where evacuation orders were in effect Tuesday. Dry conditions, wind and trees downed by Hurricane Helene fueled wildfires in North Carolina and South Carolina, where evacuation orders were in effect Tuesday.

Veteran Donny Hudson writes that deploying the SC National Guard elsewhere for immigration enforcement could leave South Carolina residents vulnerable to disaster.

The Persimmon Ridge Fire grew to 1,992 acres on Thursday. Still, according to the South Carolina Forestry Commission, most of the additional acreage resulted from burnouts that crews could conduct between existing firebreaks and the active fire.

North Carolina National Guard and NC Emergency Management team rescue injured firefighter after tree falls on him during clearing operations.