2025 North Carolina wildfires |
---|
The 2025 North Carolina wildfires are a series of active wildfires currently ongoing in North Carolina.
As temperatures rise between mid-March and mid-April, surface fuels dry out more easily. Pre-green-up vegetation and occasional gusty winds create conditions favorable for ignition—even from lightning or human activity. Scattered convective rainfall contributes to unpredictable dry pockets that increase fire risk. [1]
In late September through October, temperatures remain warm and humidity drops. Once leaves fall, the forest floor accumulates flammable debris, and cool-season frontal winds can trigger rapid fire spread. Fall fires are generally less frequent than spring fires but can escalate under dry or windy conditions. [2]
Hurricane aftermath—particularly debris left behind—has compounded fire danger. In 2025, Hurricane Helene’s downed trees and low humidity contributed to multiple early-season fires, including the Black Cove Fire near Asheville. Hundreds of wildfires were ignited, underscoring increased risk due to debris accumulation and development in fire-prone areas. [3]
Since the late 20th century, North Carolina has averaged over 5,000 wildfires annually, with recent years like 2023 recording 5,101 fires burning nearly 18,748 acres. [4]
The leading cause of wildfires in North Carolina is careless debris burning, accounting for nearly all incidents. As fall fire season approaches, the North Carolina Forest Service emphasizes caution when burning yard debris and provides public fire-safety guidance and programs like Firewise USA. [5] [6]
The following is a list of fires that burned more than 1,000 acres (400 ha), produced significant structural damage, or resulted in casualties.
Name | County | Acres | Start date | Containment date [a] | Notes/Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Black Cove | Polk | 3,502 | March 19 | April 10 | [8] |
Deep Woods | Polk | 3,969 | March 19 | April 10 | 2 residences reported to be destroyed. [9] |
Alarka #5 | Swain | 1,575 | March 25 | April 8 | [10] |
Rattlesnake Branch | Haywood | 1,858 | March 26 | April 10 | [11] |
Haoe Lead | Graham | 3,103 | April 12 | May 5 | [12] |
Bee Rock Creek | McDowell | 2,085 | April 15 | April 24 | [13] |
Sunset Road | Brunswick | 1,331 | May 2 | June 16 | [14] |