The Governor of North Carolina has declared a state of emergency following the outbreak of multiple wildfires and the presence of drought conditions across the state. The declaration, issued on March 26, 2025, responds to active wildfires within the Black Cove Fire Complex in Polk County, which have spread to Henderson County, as well as a new wildfire in Swain County. Additionally, the Table Rock Fire Complex wildfire in South Carolina is posing a threat to Transylvania County.
According to the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council’s March 18, 2025, assessment, abnormally dry conditions and moderate drought conditions persist in the central and northwestern mountains, as well as the southwestern and northwestern mountain regions. In response to hazardous wildfire conditions, the North Carolina Forest Service issued a statewide open burning ban on March 21, 2025, and canceled all burning permits.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved North Carolina’s request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant on March 24, 2025. The declaration highlights the risk to public health, safety, and property due to ongoing fires and drought.
The emergency area covers numerous counties throughout the state, including Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Iredell, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Polk, Rowan, Rutherford, Stanly, Swain, Transylvania, Union, Watauga, Wilkes, Yancey, as well as the tribal lands held by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
The order directs all state and local government entities and agencies to implement the provisions outlined in the North Carolina Emergency Operations Plan. The Secretary of the Department of Public Safety (DPS) is granted full authority to coordinate the state’s response and seek federal assistance as needed.
Additionally, the declaration activates a prohibition against excessive pricing on essential goods and services within the affected areas. The order does not impose any restrictions on lawfully possessed firearms or the sale and purchase of alcoholic beverages.
The state of emergency took effect immediately upon signing and will remain in place for 30 days unless it is terminated or extended by the Governor.
