North Carolina Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for North Carolina - May 19, 2026

Overview

North Carolina is experiencing an elevated fire risk driven by an early-summer heatwave, moderate to severe drought conditions, and significant fuel loads. The state has seen a highly active spring fire season, with over 4,300 wildfire incidents reported in 2026, 99 percent of which have been caused by human activity. A major contributing factor to the current risk in western North Carolina is the downed timber and remaining debris left by Hurricane Helene, which continues to provide heavy fuel for wildfires across the region.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: There are currently multiple active fires in North Carolina, particularly in the western and foothill regions. Over the last 72 hours, fire behavior has remained active. On Sunday, May 17, preliminary reports showed that 37 new wildfires burned 161.6 acres on private and state-owned land. Firefighters are actively working to contain the larger ongoing incidents in Polk and Henderson counties while responding to new starts.

Key Fires:

• Deep Woods Fire: Located in Polk and Henderson counties, this fire has burned 3,969 acres and is currently 79% contained. It is heavily fueled by downed timber, dry brush, and remaining storm debris. Firefighters continue to work on containment lines and monitor for hotspots. Local emergency management has actively assisted with response and structural protection efforts.
• Black Cove Fire: Also burning in Polk and Henderson counties, this fire is 3,502 acres and 97% contained. Crews have made significant progress in securing the perimeter and are focused on mopping up.
• Fish Hook Fire: Located in the Lake Adger area, this fire reached 199 acres and is now 100% contained.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: The North Carolina Forest Service recently lifted a state-issued ban on open burning for 81 counties following recent rainfall. However, the burn ban remains in effect until further notice for 19 counties in the Piedmont and Sandhills regions due to hazardous forest fire conditions. Additionally, the state is launching the Disaster Mitigation Program (DMP) in western North Carolina to help property owners with the no-cost removal of hazardous debris, improving fire breaks, and promoting safe prescribed burning.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Conditions are currently sunny and hot, with temperatures reaching the upper 80s to low 90s and humidity dropping to around 47%. The National Weather Service is also observing Heat Safety Week from May 18-22, 2026, urging residents to stay safe in the extreme heat.
Forecasted Weather: Hot and dry conditions will persist through mid-week, maintaining high fire danger levels. However, a weather shift is anticipated by Thursday, bringing a 20-35% chance of light rain, which will increase to a 65-75% chance of rain and scattered thunderstorms heading into the weekend. This precipitation is expected to aid firefighting efforts and improve soil moisture.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Careless debris burning is the leading cause of wildfires in North Carolina. Residents in the 19 counties still under the burn ban must refrain from all open burning. Those in counties where the ban was lifted are urged to remain extremely vigilant, ensure they have a valid burn permit, and keep tools and a water source nearby.
Resource Allocation: State contractors and the US Army Corps of Engineers have removed over 16 million cubic yards of storm debris, but remaining hazards require ongoing mitigation. The upcoming Disaster Mitigation Program will further allocate resources to clear high-risk areas, reduce fuel loads, and protect communities.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
North Carolina Forest Service Wildfire Public Viewer: www.ncforestservice.gov
ReadyNC (Emergency Information): www.readync.gov

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.