Firefighters have descended upon North Carolina to fight three fires spanning 5,200 acres.
An evacuation order for Polk County was issued Sunday.
Polk County restaurants fed first responders and those forced to evacuate.
“It means a whole lot to me because I know what they’re going through right now,” said executive chef at Green River Eddy’s Tap Room & Grill David Ashmore, a former fighterfighter. “This is a small community where everyone comes together and helps out.”
Fire Marshal Bobby Arledge said during a community meeting that the fire conditions were intensified due to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
“These conditions that we’re seeing right now are nothing like we’ve seen in the past,” he noted, adding, “What you could normally go in and stop pretty quickly has become impossible because of the large trees and everything that fell during Helene.”
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein (D) said in a statement, “I’m concerned about the wildfires in Polk County, where people are already struggling due to Mother Nature. I thank FEMA for approving North Carolina’s Fire Management Assistance Grant.”
“Stay safe and please continue to listen to emergency guidance around evacuation orders,” he wrote on X.
Governor Henry McMaster of South Carolina (R) issued a state of emergency for the Table Rock Fire in Pickens County. “As this wildfire continues to spread, the State of Emergency allows us to mobilize resources quickly and ensure our firefighters have the support they need to protect lives and property,” he said. “Given the elevated risk of wildfires throughout the state, the statewide burning ban will remain in effect until further notice. Anyone who violates this ban can and will go to jail.”
As of Sunday night, the fire was more than 1,300 acres, CBS News reported.
