In these drought conditions, fires are breaking out across the area, many on farms and in open fields.

In Broadway, about seven acres burned while a farmer was working his land along U.S. 421, according to the North Carolina Forestry Service.

“My God… go, go, go,” said one man who witnessed the flames spread. 

Officials say the fire spread quickly through dry hay. The landowner told WRAL he was working the field when, in an instant, a spark from his equipment ignited the dry land.

It’s a pattern showing up across the region. Just two weeks ago in Cumberland County, a farmer described a nearly identical scenario under similar dry conditions.

“We were baling wheat straw and the hay baler caught on fire… the dry straw just took off burning,” said Joe Gillis, Cumberland County farmer. 

First responders with Boone Trail Emergency Services say extreme drought is fueling these fast-moving fires. Several experts in North Carolina said the state is experiencing “historic levels of dryness.”

Much of western North Carolina and the mid-part of the state, from Raleigh north, are in “extreme drought,” or the second-highest/worst level. In an extreme drought, major crop and pasture losses are expected, reservoirs and wells are at very low levels and many municipalities limit water use.

Since a statewide burn ban was implemented on March 28, the N.C. Forest Service reports 971 fires across the state that have burned 2,870 acres. Only five of the blazes are being blamed on natural ignition or lightning. 

The US Department of Agriculture says one key way to reduce risk is to maintain it properly. Regularly clean and closely monitor farm equipment to prevent sparks.

In these dry conditions, it only takes one spark to destroy an entire field.

ENID, Okla. (AP) — A powerful tornado in Oklahoma on Thursday ripped roofs off buildings, knocked down power poles and sent emergency crews rushing into a rural community near Vance Air Force Base, officials said.

The confirmed tornado moved across parts of Enid, a city of about 50,000 people near the state’s northern border, according to the National Weather Service. Video posted online show a rapidly rotating column of air touching down along with totaled homes.

There were no immediate reports of fatalities and only minor injuries hours after the tornado passed through, according to the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities were going door-to-door in some neighborhoods to check on residents.

The Vance Air Force Base was impacted by the tornado, but the extent of the damage was not immediately clear. The base said in a social media post that officials “are currently conducting accountability procedures to ensure all personnel are safe and accounted for.”

“Please join me in praying for the Enid community, which has been severely impacted by tonight’s tornado,” Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt posted on social media.

Enid Police Department spokesperson Cass Rains said there had been early reports of people trapped in homes and extensive damage. Garfield County includes Vance Air Force Base, which is about 80 miles (129 kilometers) north of Oklahoma City.

Two men have been charged after a Massachusetts man was found dead in disturbing fashion.

According to the City of Marion South Carolina Police Department, 31-year-old Shaiquan Ramaal Foxworth of Marion was arrested this week and charged in the murder of David Hutchinson which took place in January.

Hutchinson’s body was discovered inside a trash can that had been placed behind an abandoned residence on Pearl Street.

Foxworth has been charged with Murder (No bond set at this time), Desecration or Removal of Human Remains ($10,000 bond), Conspiracy ($5,000 bond), Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of a Violent Crime ($5,000 bond), and Discharging a Firearm within City Limits ($1,087.50 bond). His total bond has been set at $21,087.50. Bond on the Murder charge will be determined at a later date by a Circuit Court Judge.

Additionally, 31-year-old Travis Jermaine Godbolt, who is currently being held at the Marion County Detention Center on unrelated charges, has also been charged in connection with Hutchinson’s death. His charges include Murder (No bond set at this time), Desecration or Removal of Human Remains ($10,000 bond), and Conspiracy ($5,000 bond). Godbolt’s bond has been set at $15,000. As with Foxworth, bond on the Murder charge will be determined by a Circuit Court Judge at a later date.

Thomas Lee Brigman, Jr. was arrested and charged with Accessory After the Fact of Murder. His bond was set at $15,000 surety.

While no details were revealed by authorities, a GoFundMe fundraiser created by family states that Hutchinson “was lured to South Carolina with the promise of making money by a woman who claimed to be an entrepreneur, but upon arrival, he quickly figured out it was all a set up. After being taken for his money, he was dropped off at a trap house where his phone was also stolen. In the time leading up to his disappearance there was an altercation with his barbering equipment being stolen as well. When Dave confronted the individual(s) he thought took his belongings, he was met with violence and a gun was pulled. Later that same day he vanished without a trace.”

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Marion Police Department at 843-423-8616 or submit information through the department’s mobile app. Tips may be provided anonymously.