North Carolina Declares State of Emergency as Wildfires and Drought Risk Public Safety
Following Governor Roy Cooper’s declaration of a state of emergency on November 8th, North Carolina is taking action in response to the ongoing wildfires in Western North Carolina and the persistent drought conditions across the state. With public health and safety at stake, this emergency declaration aims to protect residents and their property amidst the growing threats.
The state of emergency encompasses a wide area including counties such as Alexander, Alleghany, Buncombe, Burke, Cleveland, Henderson, Jackson, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Polk, Rutherford, and Yancey, along with tribal lands occupied by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. By coordinating and supporting emergency response operations, the executive order will ensure the safety and well-being of North Carolina’s residents.
Will Ray, the director of North Carolina Emergency Management, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, The current wildfires, combined with the ongoing drought and weather forecast have increased our risk for additional fire activity, especially in the western part of our state. This emergency declaration enables the allocation of essential resources to combat the fires, protect lives and property, and aid local jurisdictions, agencies, and state partners involved in the firefighting efforts.
As the wildfire situation intensifies, the state’s Forest Service has expanded burn bans to include 16 additional counties, adding to the urgency of addressing this crisis effectively. The drought conditions coupled with the approaching weather patterns have raised concerns about the potential for further fire outbreaks, particularly in the western regions of North Carolina.
Efforts are underway to address these challenges head-on. Local authorities, state agencies, and emergency response teams are working in unison to combat the wildfires and mitigate the risks associated with the prolonged drought. By pulling together their expertise, resources, and coordinated strategies, they aim to safeguard the people and places affected by these natural disasters.
North Carolina is no stranger to the impact of wildfires and droughts, and the state remains committed to protecting its residents against these threats. With the declaration of a state of emergency, there is hope that the necessary measures will be implemented swiftly and effectively to minimize the impact on public health and safety.
The situation is a stark reminder of the importance of preparedness, resource allocation, and collaboration in the face of natural disasters. As the state of emergency continues, North Carolina remains determined to overcome the challenges posed by the wildfires and the ongoing drought, ensuring the well-being of its communities.
