If you’re stepping outside in North Carolina right now, you might notice the air feels a bit different. Maybe it’s just that biting January chill, or perhaps you’ve caught a whiff of something smoky on the breeze. It's a weird time for fire, honestly. Most of us associate "wildfire season" with the heat of summer or the dry leaves of autumn, but 2026 is starting off with some surprisingly high activity.
Basically, people are asking where are the wildfires in nc because the numbers are jumping. On just one Tuesday this month, the N.C. Forest Service tracked 82 different wildfires. That’s a lot of smoke for the "off-season."
The truth is, while we don't have one massive "megafire" eating up a mountain range right now, we have a "death by a thousand cuts" situation. Dozens of smaller fires are popping up across the state, fueled by a lingering drought that just won't quit.
The Current Hotspots: Where the Smoke is Coming From
If you look at the maps today, the activity is scattered. It’s not just one county. However, two main regions are bearing the brunt of it: the Piedmont and the Coastal Plain.
In the western part of the state, we’ve been keeping a close eye on the Greenwood Fire. It kicked off a few days ago and has already chewed through about 450 acres. That might not sound like much compared to those massive California blazes you see on the news, but in the rugged terrain of Western NC, that’s a significant headache for crews.
Down toward the coast and the Sandhills, it's a different story. The fuels there are lighter—think marsh grasses and pine needles—which means fires start fast and move even faster. The NWS Wilmington recently had to flag the Pee Dee region because the humidity dropped so low that the whole area basically became a tinderbox.
Why January is Burning
You’ve probably heard about Hurricane Helene and the mess it left behind. Well, that’s a huge part of the problem. All those toppled trees and snapped branches in the western forests didn't just disappear. They’re sitting there, drying out, and turning into what fire experts call "heavy fuels."
- The Helene Factor: Over 100 mph winds left a massive amount of "dead and down" timber.
- The Winter Drought: About 99% of the Southeast is currently classified as "Abnormally Dry" or worse.
- The Humidity Trap: Cold fronts often bring dry air. When that humidity dips below 25%, a single spark from a trailer chain or a discarded cigarette can start a 10-acre fire before you can even call 911.
Understanding the Danger Levels in Your County
The N.C. Forest Service and the State Climate Office at NC State use a specific "Adjective Rating" to tell you how bad it is. Right now, much of the state is oscillating between Moderate and High.
When it’s "High," fine fuels (like dry grass) ignite readily. If you’re planning on burning a brush pile in your backyard today, honestly, just don't. Unattended brush fires are the leading cause of wildfires in North Carolina this time of year.
In the Nantahala National Forest, the risk is currently sitting at "Low," which is a relief. But if you move over to the Pisgah, Uwharrie, or Croatan National Forests, we’re looking at "Moderate" conditions. "Moderate" is sneaky. It sounds safe, but it actually means fires can still start easily from most accidental causes.
📖 Related: Weather on Inauguration Day: What Most People Get Wrong
What the Pros Are Seeing
I was looking at some data from the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), and they’ve noted that the Southern Area is actually the busiest spot in the country right now. While the West Coast is damp and cold, we’re dealing with "wind-driven" events.
The wind is the real killer here. We recently had gusts hitting 35 mph. If a fire starts in a field of dry grass with 35 mph winds behind it, it doesn't matter how many fire trucks you have; that thing is going to run.
Real Examples of Recent Activity
Just to give you an idea of the scale, in the first 16 days of 2026, North Carolina recorded 1,623 fires. Compare that to 2024, where we only had 346 in the same timeframe. That is a massive jump.
We’re seeing a lot of "initial attack" activity. This is when local volunteer fire departments and the Forest Service catch a fire when it’s only an acre or two. They’re doing an incredible job, but they are being run ragged.
There was a fire near Clay Fork Road recently—technically just over the border in Kentucky but part of the same weather system—that hit nearly 400 acres and threatened several homes. This is the reality for the Appalachian region right now. The hardwood litter is dry, the wind is up, and the risk is real.
How to Stay Safe and What to Do Next
If you live in a wooded area, especially in the western mountains where the Helene debris is thick, you need to be proactive. This isn't just "government talk"—it’s about not losing your house.
Immediate Steps You Can Take:
📖 Related: Why Trump Was a Disliked Candidate in the 2016 Election: What Most People Get Wrong
- Check the Daily Fire Danger Map: Before you do anything involving heat outdoors, check the NC State Climate Office's Fire Weather Intelligence Portal.
- Clear Your Gutters: Seriously. Embers from a fire half a mile away can land in your gutters. If they’re full of dry pine needles, your roof is gone.
- Respect the Burn Bans: If your county issues a ban, it’s because the experts know something you don’t about the local humidity and wind.
- Reporting: If you see smoke and it doesn't look like a controlled, prescribed burn (which usually has neat lines and lots of personnel), call 911 immediately. In this wind, five minutes is the difference between a scorched field and a lost neighborhood.
The situation is evolving daily. As long as this "La Niña" pattern keeps the Southeast dry and the temperatures fluctuate, we’re going to keep seeing smoke. Keep your eyes on the horizon and your hose ready.
Actionable Next Steps:
Head over to the N.C. Forest Service website and sign up for their email or text alerts. They provide localized updates on burn bans and active fire zones that are much more specific than a general news report. If you are a forest landowner, consider contacting your local county ranger to discuss a "Firewise" assessment for your property, especially given the increased fuel loads from recent storms.