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Many wildfires have occurred North Carolina, South Carolinaand Georgia In early March 2025, strong winds, unusually dry conditions, and low humidity combined to burn and spread the flames.
The fire continued a year later Weather whiplash In Carolina, due to the drought of summer flashes Extreme Hurricane Flood In September, and then back to drought. The storm on March 5th, 2025 helped Avoid many fires It’s still on fire, but the Southeast Fire Season has just begun. Wake Forest University Wildfire Expert Lauren Roman and Nick Colak Context the fire and the dry winter of the region.
Why did Carolina see so many wildfires?
That’s the case in most Northern and South Carolinas. Extremely dry or moderate drought At least since November 2024. Leave fuel for wildfires in a consistent state of dryness throughout the winter vegetation.
When the land and vegetation are so dry, all it takes is to start a wildfire with lightning strikes or artificial fire and wind.
The hurricane flooded the area at the end of summer 2024, but before that, Carolina had experienced a flash drought.
Flash drought It is an extreme drought that develops rapidly due to atmospheric precipitation and lack of dryness. Once the air is dry, pull water from the vegetation and soil. Dry the surface.
August and September, with Debbie in the tropical storm Hurricane Helen It caused massive flooding in two states, but Carolina received most rainfall in the next few months, and again became unusually dry in winter 2025.
How rare is this kind of fire in this area?
Fires have historically been fairly common in Carolina. They are natural parts of the landscape, and many parts The ecosystem has evolved It depends on them.
Carnivorous plants such as Venus flight laps and pitcher plants Relying on frequent fire activity Removes shrubs and other plants that grow on them and block light. Even some Wildlife depends on fire For food from their habitat and a mixture of native plants that regrow after fire.
