NORTH CAROLINA, USA — Governor Cooper issued a State of Emergency due to the ongoing wildfires in western North Carolina.
“I am grateful for the first responders who have jumped into action to help combat the ongoing wildfires in Western North Carolina,” said Cooper.
“The fires and the continued droughts across the state pose a risk to public health and safety and we want to ensure that all residents and their property remain safe and protected," he said.
The Executive Order will help coordinate and support emergency response operations and protect North Carolinians.
The emergency areas are as listed: 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, Swain, Transylvania, Union, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey counties as well as tribal lands in the State of North Carolina held by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
“The current wildfires, combined with the ongoing drought and weather forecast have increased our risk for additional fire activity, especially in the western part of our state. This emergency declaration will help facilitate getting the needed resources to combat these wildfires, to save lives and property, and to support our local jurisdictions and agencies, as well as state partners who are engaged in fighting these fires.” said Director of North Carolina Emergency Management Will Ray.
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