Governor Stein Extends State of Emergency for Western North Carolina Wildfires

Pat Brand

389 Country

Governor Josh Stein has extended the State of Emergency for 34 counties in western North Carolina due to ongoing wildfires, effective for an additional 30 days. The extension ensures that the State Emergency Response Team has the necessary resources to protect residents and property amid a busy spring wildfire season.

“I appreciate all of the first responders, emergency managers, state forest rangers, and state and local officials working hard to protect North Carolinians from wildfires,” Governor Stein said. “I am extending this State of Emergency to ensure the State Emergency Response Team has every resource available to continue to respond to wildfires.”

Since March, the North Carolina Forest Service, alongside first responders and emergency management teams, has tackled 2,348 wildfire incidents affecting over 23,000 acres. “The spring wildfire season is off to a very busy start,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “I appreciate the Governor extending the State of Emergency and making resources available, especially with the elevated risk of wildfires in Western NC.”

North Carolina Emergency Management Director Will Ray praised the efforts of local emergency managers and public safety personnel, noting their critical role in issuing evacuation orders, opening shelters, and coordinating with state and federal forest services. The State Emergency Operations Center’s 24-Hour Watch Center has supported counties by issuing evacuation alerts through the Wireless Emergency Alert Network and the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System.

The State Emergency Response Team has been actively assisting counties since March, deploying firefighters, equipment, and logistical supplies in collaboration with the North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal and the Forest Service. With dry conditions persisting, the team maintains close communication with county emergency management offices and the Forest Service to ensure adequate support for first responders and state forest firefighters.

The State of Emergency covers Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Iredell, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Polk, Rowan, Rutherford, Stanly, Swain, Transylvania, Union, Watauga, Wilkes, Yancey, and the tribal lands of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

Commissioner Troxler urged residents to exercise extreme caution with any burning activities to prevent further wildfire incidents.