Wildfires continue to spread in NC, SC leaving behind destruction: See map of Carolinas
Editor's note: Wildfires continue to spread in the Carolinas. Click here to see the latest information as of Friday, March 28.
Wildfires in the Carolinas have taken over thousands of acres, and one of the most destructive fires doubled in size in the 24 hours.
In the Carolinas, wildfires have set 17,646.37 acres ablaze, according to the South Carolina Forestry Commission and the North Carolina Forest Service.
While firefighters in North Carolina were able to start containing the two largest wildfires in the state, the Black Cove Fire and the Deep Woods Fire, the size of the Table Rock Fire in South Carolina nearly doubled and remains at 0% contained.
On Wednesday, the Table Rock Fire and the Persimmon Ridge Fire were responsible for yet another round of evacuations, according to the South Carolina Forestry Commission.
"Another day of extreme fire behavior on both incidents today prompted a new round of evacuations and led to a second straight day of rapid expansion of both wildfires," states a press release from the commission.
Extremely low humidity and gusty winds "contributed greatly to the fires’ growth," according to the commission. But winds are expected to ease on Thursday while humidity levels go up from 14% to 22%.
"An abundance" of dry, downed timber from Hurricane Helene has also fueled the fire.
Dry conditions are expected to continue through Thursday.
Wildfires map: See location of blazes in North Carolina, South Carolina
Largest fires in North Carolina and South Carolina
As of Thursday morning, the largest fire in South Carolina is the Table Rock Fire, according to Paste BN's data. The fire has set 4,556 acres ablaze and is 0% contained as of Thursday morning. The cause of the fire is undetermined.
The Persimmon Ridge Fire has consumed 1,553 acres and is also 0 % contained according to the South Carolina Forestry Commission.
The cause of the fire is undetermined.
The two largest fires in North Carolina are known as the Black Cove Fire, 3,052 acres, and the Deep Woods fire, 3,231 acres, according to Paste BN.
The fires have set a total of 6,283 acres ablaze in Polk County, according to the North Carolina Forest Service.
Since Wednesday, firefighters have been able to make progress and have started to contain the fires. The Black Cove fire is 17 % contained, while the Deep Woods fire is 11% contained, according to Paste BN's data.
Both fires were caused by Human activity.
How many fires are in North Carolina and South Carolina?
As of Thursday morning, South Carolina lists 30 wildfires that have burned across 9,203.17 acres, according to the South Carolina's Forestry Commission.
North Carolina lists 111 fires that span over 8,443.2 acres, according to the North Carolina Forest Service wildfire map.
NWS warns of fire danger
On Tuesday, the National Weather Service warned that the Carolinas would face fire danger throughout the rest of the week.
"The combination of low relative humidity and drier fuels will increase fire danger Wednesday through Saturday," NWS stated.
Chances of rain increase late into the weekend or early next week, according to the South Carolina Forestry Commission.
US Wildfire map
Julia is a trending reporter for Paste BN. Connect with her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@gannett.com