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Helene debris raises wildfire fears
Recovery officials warn western NC faces years of elevated fire risk as timber markets, housing and workforce pressures complicate rebuilding.
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Stein warns recovery funding running dry
GROW NC advisers say long-term recovery efforts could stall as donations dry up and unmet needs continue emerging across mountain communities.
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Troxler: Disaster aid keeps farmers afloat after Helene
NC Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler told the House Ag Committee that while Helene recovery could take years, state disaster relief funding has been a lifesaver for farmers.
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Stein presses for $792M in additional Helene recovery funds
The request focuses on economic recovery, housing assistance, infrastructure repair, and wildfire mitigation, while also positioning the state to unlock additional federal aid that requires matching funds.
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Council of State holds meeting at historic Halifax
Gov. Josh Stein opened the April Council of State meeting with a nod to history, but the day’s most urgent message centered on a present-day threat: wildfires burning across North Carolina.
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State issues burn ban as fires rage across western NC
The North Carolina Forest Service issues a statewide burn ban as wildfires continue to burn across western North Carolina. As of Tuesday afternoon, five fires classified as “active” burn in the High County region. Counties include Wilkes, Avery, Mitchel, and McDowell. The Cane Creek Wildfire in Wilkes County is the largest reported fire, spreading over...
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State fire marshal warns of escalating wildfire risk
The debris left by Helene is already altering wildfire behavior. Fires are burning hotter, spreading unpredictably, and lasting longer — even outside the state’s typical fire season.
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NC top fire-risk state, as fall fire season begins
There are two primary wildfire seasons in NC: spring and fall. Earlier this year, Troxler told state lawmakers that NC is the No. 1 state in the nation at risk for wildfires.
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NC to be home to new USDA forest project
The USDA announced Phase 2 of a project to reduce wildfire risks and expand forestry practices in Uwharries and Sandhills.
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Budd Introduces National Prescribed Fire Act of 2025
"By enabling the Forest Service to better conduct controlled burns of unchecked vegetation and scattered debris, we can protect our forests from catastrophic wildfires that may occur in the hottest months of the year."- Sen. Ted Budd, R-NC.
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Stein requests additional $891 million in Helene funding from NC legislature
Gov. Josh Stein requested an additional $891 million for Helene recovery at a press conference at Carolina Domes in Rutherford County, which was hit hard by the hurricane.
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Wildfires up over 100% as Troxler asks for state funding for Forest Service vacancies, equipment
At April’s Council of State meeting, North Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture Steve Troxler called on the General Assembly for funding to help rebuild the state’s Forest Service as wildfires continue to burn across the state.
