Multiple fires have broken out across the Carolinas, forcing hundreds to evacuate from their homes, with the situation especially bad in South Carolina, where Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency on Sunday.
Meanwhile, in western North Carolina, crews were trying to contain several wildfires in four forests across the state.
Why It Matters
The U.S. is still reeling from the devastating wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles County for over a week in January, burning down thousands of structures, including homes, and destroying entire neighborhoods.
The National Weather Service had warned of increased fire danger in the Carolinas region—mainly due to critically dry fuels and low relative humidity.
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What To Know
More than 175 fires had burned across 6.6 square miles in South Carolina, as of Sunday, according to the State Fire Marshal.
Crews made progress in the containment of a blaze in the Carolina Forest area west of the coastal resort city of Myrtle Beach, which was estimated to have burned 2.5 square miles.
Locals had been ordered to evacuate earlier that day but by Sunday afternoon, the Horry County Fire Rescue said Carolina Forest evacuees could return home.
A map showing wildfires in South Carolina. A map showing wildfires in South Carolina. fireweatheravalanche.org
In North Carolina, where crews were fighting several forest fires, the largest (around 400 acres) was at Uwharrie National Forest. This blaze had reached about one-third containment by Sunday afternoon.
Some residents in the small southwestern town of Tryon in Polk County, North Carolina, were urged to evacuate—a decision on whether to lift evacuations for the area is expected to be made on Monday.
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The cause of the fires is not yet known.
North Carolina Forest Service’s map of wildfires in the state. North Carolina Forest Service’s map of wildfires in the state. North Carolina Forest Service
What Are People Saying
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster: “This state of emergency ensures that our first responders, who are working tirelessly and risking their lives to protect our communities from these wildfires, have the resources they need.
“Dangerous wildfire conditions require that a statewide burning ban remain in effect until further notice. Those who violate this ban will be subject to criminal prosecution.”
Weather Channel meteorologist Robb Ellis: “Wildfires are not only common in parts of the Carolinas, but are part of the natural ecosystem of the area, especially in the Sandhills and Coastal Plain. Pine forests regularly rely on wildfire for the release of seeds from pinecones and to clear vegetation for new growth.”
What Happens Next
Emergency services should issue updates on any progress made in fighting the blazes and on evacuation orders soon. The long-term impact of these fires, in terms of destruction, damage and environmental concerns, is yet to be seen.
MADISON COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — A major investment is moving one of Madison County’s largest construction projects a step closer to reality.
State leaders approved $27 million in the budget for the county’s new public service complex—bringing the project to more than two-thirds of the funding needed.
Grading has already begun on the property near the health department and sheriff’s office.
MADISON COUNTY MULLS FUTURE OF HISTORIC COURTHOUSE AS PLANS MOVE FORWARD FOR NEW BUILDING
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The $88 million project is set to combine governmental, social and judicial facilities in Madison County.
Madison County Manager Rod Honeycutt spoke about the impacts he believes the new complex will have.
JULY 9, 2026 – Grading has already begun for Madison County’s new public service complex near the health department and sheriff’s office. (Photo credit: WLOS Staff)
“A place that’s easy to get into, easy to get out of, and something that says we’re Madison County strong,” said Honeycutt. “We’re looking very much forward to moving into the facility and consolidating five locations into one.
NORTH CAROLINA STATE BUDGET INCLUDES $7M TO REDUCE WILDFIRE RISK FROM HELENE DEBRIS
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Madison County officials are encouraging community input on the plans for the new complex before the groundbreaking ceremony at the end of July.
A small, mostly GA-focused airport in North Carolina will get $4.5 million to help attract a new airline.
WCTI-TV reported Wednesday that the money was allocated to Pitt-Greenville Airport in a state budget recently signed into law by Governor Josh Stein. The funding will support a revenue guarantee for carriers that opt to connect Greenville.
Many small airports use revenue guarantees to help reduce the financial risk for potential partner airlines.
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Currently, only American Airlines serves Greenville, with American Eagle commuter flights to Charlotte.
Airport Executive Director Brandon Craft told WCTI that the addition of another airline could help grow Greenville into a travel hub for eastern North Carolina. He also said that the airport is pursuing grants to help expand and improve its facilities.
Greenville is located about 80 miles east of Raleigh.
The NC Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at Wednesday, July 8, 2026 results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from July 8 drawing
12-29-37-43-55, Powerball: 18, Power Play: 4
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
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Winning Pick 3 numbers from July 8 drawing
Day: 2-9-0, Fireball: 5
Evening: 7-9-6, Fireball: 6
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 numbers from July 8 drawing
Day: 8-9-6-6, Fireball: 6
Evening: 3-4-8-5, Fireball: 4
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Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 5 numbers from July 8 drawing
07-13-19-23-33
Check Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Double Play numbers from July 8 drawing
01-03-14-18-32
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from July 8 drawing
16-18-43-48-50, Bonus: 01
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Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
All North Carolina Lottery retailers will redeem prizes up to $599.
For prizes over $599, winners can submit winning tickets through the mail or in person at North Carolina Lottery Offices. By mail, send a prize claim form, your signed lottery ticket, copies of a government-issued photo ID and social security card to: North Carolina Education Lottery, P.O. Box 41606, Raleigh, NC 27629. Prize claims less than $600 do not require copies of photo ID or a social security card.
To submit in person, sign the back of your ticket, fill out a prize claim form and deliver the form, along with your signed lottery ticket and government-issued photo ID and social security card to any of these locations:
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Asheville Regional Office & Claim Center: 16-G Regent Park Blvd., Asheville, NC 28806, 877-625-6886 press #1. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes up to $99,999.
Greensboro Regional Office & Claim Center: 20A Oak Branch Drive, Greensboro, NC 27407, 877-625-6886 press #2. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes up to $99,999.
Charlotte Regional Office & Claim Center: 5029-A West W. T. Harris Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28269-1861, 877-625-6886 press #3. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes up to $99,999.
NC Lottery Headquarters: Raleigh Claim Center & Regional Office, 2728 Capital Blvd., Suite 144, Raleigh, NC 27604, 877-625-6886 press #4. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes of any amount.
Greenville Regional Office & Claim Center: 2790 Dickinson Avenue, Suite A, Greenville, NC 27834, 877-625-6886 press #5. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes up to $99,999.
Wilmington Regional Office & Claim Center: 123 North Cardinal Drive Extension, Suite 140, Wilmington, NC 28405, 877-625-6886 press #6. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes up to $99,999.
Check previous winning numbers and payouts at https://nclottery.com/.
When are the North Carolina Lottery drawings held?
Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 11 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
Lucky for Life: 10:38 p.m. daily.
Pick 3, 4: 3:00 p.m. and 11:22 p.m. daily.
Cash 5: 11:22 p.m. daily.
Millionaire for Life: 11:15 p.m. daily.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Carolina Connect editor. You can send feedback using this form.
