Gov. Pat McCrory tours western areas hit by wildfires

Hayesville, NC (WWAY) — Governor Pat McCrory joined state and local emergency management officials today in Clay County to provide an update on the recent wildfires that have occurred due to a drought in western North Carolina since late spring.

The governor also announced that the Colonial Pipeline that was damaged last week in Shelby, Alabama has been repaired and restarted early this morning.

“We have hundreds upon hundreds of acres that are under fire, causing tremendous smoke,” Governon McCrory said. “Our team is working together to deal with these fires. This is extremely dangerous work because they are accessing areas that are not accessible by road, and of course, if the wind direction changes at any time, these men and women put their lives at risk.”

Forest wildfires are burning in several western North Carolina counties, in addition to Clay County. Henderson, Macon, Polk and Transylvania counties are also listed as extreme drought areas this week. In support of the U.S. Forest Service, N.C. Emergency Management’s Helo-Aquatic Rescue Team is providing a N.C. National Guard Blackhawk helicopter and local rescue technicians to provide coverage for any potential rescues during wildfire fighting operations.

The governor highlighted that the top priority for the state is to avoid any harm to structures, people and livestock in the area. He also noted that these wildfires are the most serious fires to occur North Carolina since the early 2000s and late 1990s.