Residents in Pickens County, South Carolina, are facing a series of wildfires that have been burning in the Blue Ridge Mountains of the Carolinas. The fires were exacerbated by dry conditions and the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in 2024 which left behind millions of trees that have become fuel for the wildfires.
The fires have burned more than 20 square miles in rugged, remote forests and a popular state park that includes Table Rock Mountain. The firefighting efforts have been slow due to limited water sources, with crews focusing on building fire breaks to contain the flames.
Residents like Nicole Taylor, who had recently moved to the area, have been forced to evacuate their homes as the fires continue to burn. The conditions that favor wildfires in the region include dry weather and strong winds, which have been prevalent in the area in recent months.
Forestry officials are concerned about the long-term impact of the fires, especially given the large number of trees that were knocked down during Hurricane Helene. The fires serve as a reminder of the increasing fire risk in the region due to a boom in population growth and the buildup of storm debris that can fuel future fires.
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