Governor McCrory Provides an Update on the Wildfires in Western North Carolina | Eastern North Carolina Now

Press Release:

    Hayesville, N.C.     Governor Pat McCrory joined state and local emergency management officials today in Clay County to provide an update on the recent wildfires that have occurred due to a drought in western North Carolina since late spring. The governor also announced that the Colonial Pipeline that was damaged last week in Shelby, Alabama has been repaired and restarted early this morning.

    "We have hundreds upon hundreds of acres that are under fire, causing tremendous smoke. Our team is working together to deal with these fires. This is extremely dangerous work because they are accessing areas that are not accessible by road, and of course, if the wind direction changes at any time, these men and women put their lives at risk," said Governor McCrory. "I cannot tell you how much I appreciate the U.S. Forest Service and the N.C. Forest Service. The U.S. Forest Service has personnel from all over the nation helping fight our fires in western North Carolina. I might add, a lot of these forestry personnel are returning from the floods down east and now they're dealing with the fires and the drought here out west. I really want to thank the firefighters, first responders and other emergency personnel that are dealing with this issue."

    Forest wildfires are burning in several western North Carolina counties, in addition to Clay County. Henderson, Macon, Polk and Transylvania counties are also listed as extreme drought areas this week. In support of the U.S. Forest Service, N.C. Emergency Management's Helo-Aquatic Rescue Team is providing a N.C. National Guard Blackhawk helicopter and local rescue technicians to provide coverage for any potential rescues during wildfire fighting operations.

    The governor highlighted that the top priority for the state is to avoid any harm to structures, people and livestock in the area. He also noted that these wildfires are the most serious fires to occur North Carolina since the early 2000s and late 1990s.

    With more crews and equipment arriving to fight fires in the area, emergency management officials are encouraging motorists to exercise caution when driving. Homeowners can also prevent property damage from fires by keeping flammable materials such as woodpiles or dead leaves away from their homes or propane tanks.

• Contact: Crystal Feldman
•     govpress@nc.gov