Newly confirmed Secretary of the US Department of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins, is set to visit the Carolinas on Friday in the aftermath of the wildfires that erupted over the weekend.

“We look forward to welcoming Sec. Rollins to the Pisgah National Forest so she can see firsthand the incredible work our crews have done to contain these wildfires and address impacts from Hurricane Helene,” Adam Rondeau, PIO for the National Forest Service in North Carolina, told the Carolina Journal. 

On Saturday, wildfires broke out across North and South Carolina, with the most significant fire in the Carolina Forest near Myrtle Beach, Horry County, South Carolina. Fires also broke out across multiple counties in North Carolina, including Polk, Cherokee, Haywood, Carteret, and Montgomery. 

By Sunday evening, more than 500 acres had been burned, and the fires were 30% contained, according to the Weather Channel. According to a social media update from the US Forest Service, posted on Sunday, wildfires are active in Nantahala National Forest in Cherokee County, Pisgah National Forest in Haywood County, Croatan National Forest in Carteret County, and Uwharrie National Forest in Montgomery County.

“Crews continue to make progress on the three largest fires: the Falls Dam Fire (505 acres, 65 percent contained) on the Uwharrie National Forest in Montgomery County, the Ramshorn Fire (110 acres, fully contained) on the Croatan National Forest in Carteret County, and the Hicks Cemetery Fire (150 acres, 40 percent contained) on the Pisgah National Forest in Haywood County,” said Rondeau. “All other reported fires have been contained.”

In Polk County, the fires broke out at approximately 1:30 pm on Saturday and had spread to 400 acres by 9 pm. The fires downed a powerline near Highway 176 and threatened the towns of Melrose, Saluda, and Tryon, where mandatory evacuation orders were issued, according to ABC News.

“The brave men and women of the U.S. Forest Service began responding immediately to the fires in the Carolinas,” said Rollins in a press release. “We will ensure they have the resources, personnel, and support they need to swiftly put out the fires. They are working closely with state and local partners, and we are grateful for all the firefighters working on the frontlines.” 

Conditions may improve with rain expected mid-week, but the US Forest Service is fully prepared to combat an active fire season in the south.  

“We reduce our wildfire risk by working together,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler in a press release. “When it comes to wildfire response this time of year, the NC Forest Service is at the ready, prepositioning resources as needed. We need you to be prepared and ready for wildfire. Understand that you’re not powerless when it comes to wildfire prevention and risk reduction. Everyone has a role to play, starting with making good decisions and planning ahead if you intend to start a fire.”

Earlier this year, the NC Forest Service indicated that much of the state had a high fire risk due to drought conditions.

The latest updates on the status of the wildfires in North Carolina can be found here.