High Fire Danger Grips Western North Carolina

WNC -- March 24, 2026: As of Tuesday, March 24, 2026, much of Western North Carolina is under a heightened alert. The N.C. Forest Service reports that "all fine, dead fuels" like grass and fallen leaves are primed to ignite easily. In these conditions, even a small spark from a cigarette, a dragging trailer chain, or a lawnmower can trigger a fast-moving blaze.Why the Risk is So HighSevere Drought: Buncombe County and surrounding areas are currently classified under severe drought conditions, w