Western Carolinas and Northeast Georgia Face Elevated Wildfire Threat Through January
GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA — The National Weather Service (NWS) in Greenville-Spartanburg is warning that wildfire danger across the western Carolinas and northeast Georgia will remain above normal through January 2026, driven by ongoing dry conditions and debris left behind by Hurricane Helene.
According to the National Significant Wildland Fire Potential Outlook released Sunday, above-average fire activity is expected to continue through the fall and into the early winter months, particularly in the mountain regions of North Carolina before expanding throughout western South Carolina and northeast Georgia.
Hurricane Debris and Drought Fuel Elevated Risk
Meteorologists say one of the biggest concerns is the abundance of dead vegetation and downed trees caused by Hurricane Helene, which left behind a dense layer of fuel that could easily ignite during dry and windy conditions.
“The combination of persistent drought, low humidity recovery, and leftover storm debris has created an ideal setup for wildfire growth,” the report notes. “Unless there is consistent rainfall, elevated fire danger could continue well into early spring.”
Officials also point out that long stretches of dry weather in the southern Appalachians and Piedmont regions have contributed to stressed vegetation, increasing the likelihood of ignition from even small sparks.
NWS Advises Residents to Practice Fire Safety
The National Weather Service is urging residents to take extra precautions as the dormant season begins — when vegetation is dry and moisture levels are low.
Recommended steps include:
- Avoiding outdoor burning on breezy or low-humidity days
- Keeping vehicles maintained to prevent sparks along dry grass
- Clearing dead vegetation and leaves from around homes and yards
- Never leaving fires unattended, especially campfires or burn piles
Fire officials are also encouraging communities to participate in wildfire awareness campaigns and check for local burn bans before starting any outdoor fires.
Dry Weather Could Extend Fire Season
While some scattered rainfall is forecast this week, forecasters say it’s unlikely to be enough to relieve long-term dryness. Meteorologists caution that prolonged dry patterns could allow the region’s wildfire risk to linger into January or February, especially if winter precipitation remains below normal.
“The concern is that if the current dryness continues, we could see significant fire activity during what’s normally a quiet time of year,” the report added.
Residents across the western Carolinas and northeast Georgia are urged to stay alert for red flag warnings and fire weather watches issued by the NWS.
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