The alert currently applies to the following counties:
Fire risk is projected to increase and spread eastward as dry air and windy conditions persist, according to state forestry officials.
Although snow and ice blanket some parts of the state, other areas have experienced minimal precipitation from recent storms. Long-term drought conditions, particularly in Eastern North Carolina, have left soil, forest duff, and swamp systems drier than normal.
Cold, dry air has exacerbated the problem, rapidly drying "one-hour fuels," such as grass, pine needles, and small twigs. These light fuels can ignite quickly and spread fires under the right conditions. The leftover debris from Hurricane Helene, which devastated parts of the state in late 2024, adds additional fire fuel, further increasing the risk.
While North Carolina faces heightened fire risks, California is actively battling significant wildfires, underscoring how quickly conditions can escalate.
These fires have resulted in 24 fatalities, with 16 people still missing.
Adding to the challenges in North Carolina, FEMA recently ended temporary housing assistance for about 3,500 families displaced by Hurricane Helene. Many of these families remain without permanent housing solutions.
While Governor Josh Stein secured an extension through January 14 due to a winter storm, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell emphasized the need for displaced residents to maintain communication with the agency. "We need to work with [survivors] individually to ensure we're providing the right resources," she said. Survivors are encouraged to call the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362 for further assistance.
Residents in high fire danger areas are urged to: