Wildfires Prompt Emergency Measures in Carolinas and New Jersey

Wildfires in the Carolinas and New Jersey

News Summary

Multiple wildfires are causing chaos in the Carolinas and New Jersey, leading to mandatory evacuations and emergency declarations. In North Carolina’s Polk County, fires rage on with significant damage, while South Carolina declares a state of emergency due to the spreading Table Rock Fire. New Jersey’s Wharton State Forest faces a similar crisis as evacuations are ordered for campgrounds as fires threaten nearby buildings. Investigations into the causes of these wildfires are currently underway.

Wildfires Spark Emergency Measures in the Carolinas and New Jersey

Multiple wildfires are wreaking havoc in North Carolina, South Carolina, and New Jersey, prompting **mandatory evacuations** and the declaration of a **state of emergency**. Residents in Polk County, North Carolina, are feeling the heat as fires rage on. A mandatory evacuation has been issued for parts of the county, effective from **8:20 p.m.** on Saturday. For anyone unfamiliar, Polk County is located roughly **80 miles (129 kilometers) west** of Charlotte.

The North Carolina Department of Public Safety has issued warnings regarding unsafe conditions, warning locals about **reduced visibility** and potential **road blockages**. In response to the urgent needs, a shelter has been set up in Columbus, North Carolina, to aid displaced individuals.

Current Wildfire Situation in Polk County

There are currently three wildfires burning in Polk County. Here’s a quick snapshot:

One fire is covering an area of **1.9 square miles (5 square kilometers)** with no containment efforts successful yet.
A second fire is even larger, raging over **2.8 square miles (7.3 square kilometers)**, and is also listed as **not contained**.
The third fire has consumed about **199 acres (81 hectares)** and is **50% contained**; however, it has already resulted in the destruction of **three homes**.
Additionally, one home was lost to the larger fire.

While the evacuation order earlier issued concerning the third fire has since been lifted, residents in the area remain on high alert as two more active fires have been reported in Burke County and Stokes County.

South Carolina Enters a State of Emergency

Turning our attention to South Carolina, Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency on Saturday. This follows the swift expansion of the **Table Rock Fire** in Pickens County, which has now grown to over **300 acres (121 hectares)** and is completely **uncontained**.

Local officials are taking precautions by initiating **voluntary evacuations** for residents living near Table Rock Mountain. Fires such as these often spread unpredictably, and this one has been somewhat hindered by **steep terrain** and downed timber caused by the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

Currently, around **100 residences** remain under **voluntary evacuation orders** in the south, as residents watch closely while waiting for updates on the fire’s progress.

New Jersey’s Wildfire Response

Even as things heat up in the South, New Jersey is also facing wildfire woes, particularly in **Wharton State Forest**. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service reports that a wildfire ignited on Saturday has now consumed about **2.7 square miles (7 square kilometers)** and is **50% contained**.

Safety precautions have led to the evacuation of two **campgrounds** located within the Wharton State Forest. Thankfully, the flames have been moving away from **18 buildings** nearby, but the concern remains high as the fire has crossed the **Mullica River**, reaching **Shamong Township** in Burlington County and **Waterford Township** in Camden County.

Local authorities have closed three roads in Wharton State Forest as a precaution: **Raritan Avenue, Old Atsion Road,** and **5 Mile Crossing**. Fire crews are working diligently with strategies that include **containment lines** and **backfire operations** to keep the flames in check.

Investigations Underway

As wildfires can spark from a variety of sources, the causes for the fires in both South Carolina and New Jersey are currently under investigation. It’s a tough situation affecting countless lives, and all affected residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and adhere to local guidelines as the situation develops.

As wildfire season rages on, let’s keep those affected in our thoughts while hoping for swift action and cooperation among fire crews and local communities.