The Latest: Wildfires cause state of emergency in NC areas

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) – The Latest on wildfires in North Carolina (all times local):
12 p.m.

North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory has declared a state of emergency because of the wildfires in the western part of the state.

McCrory issued the declaration late Thursday morning to help the state’s efforts in handling more than 20 wildfires.

McCrory pointed out that while eastern North Carolina grapples with recovery from the flooding from Hurricane Matthew, the western part of the state has been suffering drought conditions for weeks.

The state of emergency is in effect in 25 western counties. Outdoor burning has been banned in those counties. Some evacuations have been ordered in five counties.

A National Guard helicopter and technicians have been deployed to help with any rescues that might be needed.

McCrory says the fires are some of the worst in North Carolina in nearly 20 years.
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7:37 a.m.

Officials are urging more residents in western North Carolina to evacuate as wildfires continue.

Clay County officials said in a news release late Wednesday that the growth and smoke from the Boteler Fire shows more evacuations are needed for several roads in Hayesville.

Officials said people living on five roads should leave their homes. It was not known how many homes are affected.

A fire in western Rutherford County has now burned more than 400 acres. People in 38 homes have been asked to evacuate because of the Party Rock Fire near Lake Lure. Officials said residents of an additional dozen homes may be asked to leave.

Smoke drifting into the town forced some businesses to close and reduced the number of visitors during the busy fall season.

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