North Carolina

Rain helps ease wildfires in North Carolina, but reprieve may be short

Published

2 years ago

November 21, 2023

Rain helps ease wildfires in North Carolina, but reprieve may be short

PINNACLE, N.C. (AP) — Heavy rain and lower temperatures helped slow down some wildfires in North Carolina on Tuesday, including blazes that had prompted evacuations of homes and campgrounds, forestry officials said.

But the reprieve for crews will likely only last through the Thanksgiving weekend, since rain isn’t expected again for another 10 days, according to Shardul Raval, director of fire and aviation for the U.S. Forest Service’s southern region.

“Unless we get some more continuous rain, we will probably be back to being active again in a few days,” he said.

On Saturday, a fire broke out in North Carolina’s Sauratown Mountains and grew to more than 750 acres (303 hectares) by Tuesday, according to Jimmy Holt, a ranger with the North Carolina Forest Service. The rainfall helped crews reach 41% containment Tuesday, Holt said. Evacuations there have been lifted.

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“It’s so much better than it was a couple of days ago,” Holt said.

The Black Bear Fire in North Carolina’s Pisgah National Forest burned more than 1,800 acres (728 hectares) near the Tennessee state line, closing a portion of the Appalachian Trail in the area, officials said in a statement Tuesday. Despite Monday night’s winds, officials were able to contain the blaze. The rain was expected to further cut down on the fire, but smoke would likely remain as fuels continued to smolder.

“For right now, things will slow down,” said Adrianne Rubiaco, a U.S. Forest Service fire spokesperson in North Carolina. The slower activity will give firefighters a chance to rest and offers a chance to find and extinguish hotspots, instead of just working to slow or stop a fire’s spread, she said.

A red flag warning prompted officials at the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, which straddles the Tennessee-North Carolina border, to close campgrounds and most roads as a precaution on Monday. Teams were assessing damage Tuesday and planning to reopen roads and facilities once conditions allowed, officials said.

Fire officials in Townsend, Tennessee, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) south of Knoxville, announced an emergency evacuation as crews battled a blaze. It was contained and the evacuation was lifted Tuesday morning.

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North Carolina

Lowering U.S. and NC Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Memorial Day

Published

6 hours ago

May 23, 2025

Press Room

Lowering U.S. and NC Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Memorial Day

In tribute to the sacrifices of our armed services personnel, Governor Josh Stein has ordered all United States and North Carolina flags at state facilities be flown at half-staff from sunrise until 12 noon on Monday, May 26 in honor of Memorial Day.

Statement from Governor Stein
“Throughout our nation’s history North Carolinians have answered the call to serve our country and protect our freedoms, and this weekend we honor those who paid the ultimate price in that service. Anna’s and my heart are with all the North Carolinians who are mourning their loved ones. Let us honor their legacy by preserving their memories, celebrating their bravery, and nourishing our democracy.”

Background
North Carolina flag announcements are issued in accordance to regulations outlined in the U.S. Flag Code.
Click for the NC State Government Flag Guide.
Sign up for the North Carolina Flag Alert list.

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North Carolina

Obituary for Donna Darlene Foy at Jones Funeral Home of Jacksonville

Published

23 hours ago

May 22, 2025

Press Room

Obituary for Donna Darlene Foy at Jones Funeral Home of Jacksonville

Donna Foy, 61, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Monday, May 19, 2025 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington. Donna was a devoted Wife, mother, and Mamaw. She was a fervent animal lover donning the nickname, Elly May, as a young girl. She was beloved by

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North Carolina

Spotted lanternfly confirmed in western North Carolina

Published

2 days ago

May 21, 2025

Press Room

Spotted lanternfly confirmed in western North Carolina

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — The invasive spotted lanternfly has been confirmed in western North Carolina, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDACS) said.

The department said it confirmed the presence of the insects in Rockingham County after initial surveys indicated that the insects were concentrated in Reidsville within a two mile radius.

“NCDA&CS has ramped up surveillance in the Triad area since this pest was detected in in Kernersville in 2022,” said Dr. Bill Foote, director of the NCDA&CS Plant Industry Division. “Members of our Plant Industry team are moving quickly to assess and prevent the spread of this brightly colored pest, and we ask members of the public to be on the lookout for more spotted lanternfly and report any finds by through a form found at www.ncagr.gov/SLF.”

The insects and their egg masses have been found in 17 states, including North Carolina.

Foote said the spotted lanternfly poses a serious threat to the state’s wine and grape industries and can cause damage to more than 100 species of plants.

“Spotted lanternflies like to feed high in the treetops, but they are not good at telling the difference between a truck tire and a tree trunk,” said Amy Michael, Entomological Programs manager. It is very likely this new population came from lanternflies hopping in with an unsuspecting commuter.”

The NCDACS said concentrated surveys will be performed year-round in Rockingham County to find if the insects are in additional locations.

Officials advise people to look for and destroy lantern eggs before they hatch.

The egg masses can be found on a variety of surfaces including trees, rocks, vehicles, equipment and lawn furniture.

“Taking a moment to check your clothing, shoes and vehicle for these insects and removing any you see goes a long way in preventing this pest from spreading any further,” Michael said.

To learn more about the spotted lanternfly or to report a sighting visit here.

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Prevention Tips

According to the USDA’s website, there are some things you can do to prevent and deter the spotted lanternfly from taking over your plants.

Inspect your trees and plants for signs of this pest, particularly at dusk and at night when the insects tend to gather in large groups on trunks and stems.

Check your vehicle before leaving a parking lot or work site and inspect vehicles for eggs or insects. Check doors, sides, bumpers, wheel wells, grills, and roofs. If found, destroy any eggs or insects you find.

Close your car windows as spotted lanternflies and their nymphs can enter vehicles unsuspectedly. When parked, make sure to keep windows closed. If possible, try to park 15 feet away from trees.

Look for egg masses in your trees, bricks, stones, and other smooth surfaces. If you find eggs, smash them and scrape them into a plastic zippered bag filled with hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol to kill them. Then, zip the bag shut and dispose of it in the trash.