North Carolina

Helene debris could intensify wildfire risk for 10+ years, forest officials say

Published

3 weeks ago

April 9, 2026

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Helene debris could intensify wildfire risk for 10+ years, forest officials say

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — As fire conditions continue, a statewide burn ban remains in effect in North Carolina.

According to the North Carolina Forest Service, debris from Helene could impact fire risk for the next 10 to 20 years.

Web Rian WLOS fire fixed

“The wildfire that burned in Wilkes County, Cane Creek fire, that one was a 574-acre fire. The Jumping Branch, of course, went 400 plus,” said Philip Jackson, the public information officer with the North Carolina Forest Service.

Jackson says that several of the fires over the last couple of weeks have burned in areas with substantial Helene damage.

LOOKING GLASS FIRE REACHES 30 ACRES, 15% CONTAINMENT IN PISGAH NATIONAL FOREST

“Fires that might only go 10 or 20 acres in a typical year might go 50 or 100 acres just because of the significant fuel source that they’re going to be able to burn off of in the form of Hurricane Helene-downed timber,” said Jackson.

He said the debris also slows response times.

“That same exact storm debris, first responders, forest service, hand crews, are going to have to navigate that fuel, navigate that debris in order to reach the fire area,” said Jackson.

We talked to some local residents who share the same concerns.

“We’re still rebuilding from Helene, so anything that gets burned down is just another step backwards,” said Lucas Nance, an Asheville resident.

“We all have to do our part to be safe. I wish people would take it more seriously,” said Hays Berry, another resident.

The current burn ban has been in effect since March 28. Jackson said there’s no telling how long this current burn ban will last.

FROST ADVISORY ISSUED ACROSS WESTERN NC, ‘LEAFING’ PLANTS VULNERABLE

“Just a combination of those dry conditions is why we have the burn ban. And we’re looking for a combination of wetter conditions and improvement before we would lift the burn ban. And so if you look at the forecast, not a whole lot of relief in sight,” said Jackson.

Nicole DelCogliano, a farmer in Burnsville, said the burn ban doesn’t affect their work too much and that it’s temporary.

She says she’s more concerned about the dry conditions and the threat of wildfire.

“Wildfire risk, that’s just increased with post-Helene landscape, the massive devastation in our forests and also the dry conditions. It’s just a recipe for disaster,” said DelCogliano.

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North Carolina

Former Miss Cleveland remembers Carrie Everett, Miss North Carolina who died

Published

7 hours ago

April 30, 2026

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Former Miss Cleveland remembers Carrie Everett, Miss North Carolina who died

A memorial service for the former Miss North Carolina will be held this weekend in Greensboro. Summer Carson, former Miss Cleveland and a friend of Everett’s, encourages people to attend the public service.

Reporter : Grace Holland
Reporter : Brian Shrader
Web Editor : Sydney Ross

Posted 2026-04-29T23:46:38-0400 – Updated 2026-04-29T23:46:38-0400

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North Carolina

North Carolina teens call for tougher vaping laws at NC General Assembly

Published

19 hours ago

April 29, 2026

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North Carolina teens call for tougher vaping laws at NC General Assembly

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — Students from across North Carolina are calling on lawmakers to strengthen nicotine laws, pushing for legislation that would raise the legal age to purchase vaping products.

Students and educators from 14 counties gathered Wednesday at the North Carolina General Assembly, urging lawmakers to pass House Bill 430, also known as Solly’s Law. The bill would raise the minimum age to buy vapes from 18 to 21.

Advocates say nicotine use continues to be a major issue among teenagers, especially as many vaping products are marketed with fruity flavors that resemble candy.

According to the NC Tobacco 21 Coalition, North Carolina is one of just six states that has not raised the legal age for purchasing vaping products to 21. The group says 95% of tobacco addiction begins before the age of 21.

House Bill 430 is named after Solomon Wynn, a New Hanover County high school student who died in 2023 from complications related to vaping.

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Educators and students say vaping remains a daily challenge in schools across the state.

“Our students matter. Their brains matter,” said Halifax County Schools Superintendent Eric Cunningham. “When we take the vape pens, we see aggression. We need immediate action now.”

Durham high school student Gabriel Anderson said the issue often comes down to illegal sales to minors.

“The issue is vendors — people who are selling to young teens,” Anderson said. “Some are upholding the law. The solution is to cut the age gap and bring it to 21.”

Following Wednesday’s hearing, teen advocates met with lawmakers and said they plan to continue pushing for stronger protections to limit youth access to vaping products.

ABC11’s Bianca Holman contributed to this report.

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North Carolina

NC Lottery Pick 3 Day, Pick 3 Evening results for April 28, 2026

Published

1 day ago

April 29, 2026

Press Room

The NC Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at Tuesday, April 28, 2026 results for each game:

Winning Pick 3 numbers from April 28 drawing

Day: 7-1-3, Fireball: 8

Evening: 2-7-5, Fireball: 6

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from April 28 drawing

Day: 7-3-3-9, Fireball: 3

Evening: 6-2-6-6, Fireball: 4

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 5 numbers from April 28 drawing

02-03-06-21-37

Check Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Double Play numbers from April 28 drawing

20-28-29-35-40

Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from April 28 drawing

11-21-34-39-45, Bonus: 05

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:

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.

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