Western North Carolina Faces Ongoing Wildfire Threats in Aftermath of Hurricane Helene

Local, state, and federal authorities are working to mitigate the potential for widespread fires.

People take photos of a wildfire burning near Lake Lure, N.C., on Nov. 10, 2016. Patrick Sullivan/The Times-News via AP

Along the winding mountainous backroads of western North Carolina, fallen timber from the devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene almost six months ago stretches as far as the eye can see.

It is a sight that greets Kristi Rodda every day. On Sept. 27, 2024, Helene delivered hurricane-strength winds, tornadoes, floods, landslides, and mudslides to western North Carolina. Days later, Rodda arrived as a volunteer, planning to stay for a few weeks and then return home to Missouri.