Honestly, walking outside this morning in North Carolina felt a bit... off. If you’ve noticed that hazy tint to the sky or a faint campfire smell that isn't coming from your neighbor's backyard, you aren't imagining things. Wildfires in NC today are currently a moving target, fueled by a winter drought that has basically turned our pine needles and leaf litter into tinder.
It’s January 17, 2026. Usually, we’re worrying about ice storms or black ice on I-40. But right now, the NC Forest Service is tracking a spike in activity that feels way more like March than mid-winter. In fact, just a few days ago on January 13, preliminary reports showed 82 different wildfires popping up across the state in a single day. That's a lot of smoke for a Tuesday.
The Current Map: Where the Burn Is Real
The situation is split between two different worlds. In the western mountains, we’ve been watching the Greenwood Fire. It’s burned about 450 acres so far. Crews have been working their tails off and have it about 75% contained, mostly fighting through thick hardwood leaf litter that’s bone-dry because of the lack of rain since last summer.
Then you’ve got the Coastal Plain Complex. This isn't one giant wall of flame but a cluster of smaller fires—around 300 acres total—chewing through marsh grasses and light brush out east.
- Western Mountains: Heavy leaf litter, steep terrain, Greenwood Fire active.
- Piedmont/Sandhills: High risk due to low humidity and gusty winds near Raleigh and Fayetteville.
- Coastal Plain: Fast-moving grass fires, mainly in the Pee Dee region and near Wilmington.
The National Weather Service in Wilmington and Raleigh has been dropping alerts like crazy lately. Just this past Thursday, they flagged the Pee Dee region for "elevated fire danger." Why? Because the relative humidity has been tanking while the wind picks up. It's a nasty combo.
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Why is this happening in the dead of winter?
We’re currently sitting in one of the weirdest droughts the Southeast has seen since 2007. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor’s January 15 update, nearly 99.6% of the Southeast is abnormally dry. Most of North Carolina has a precipitation deficit of over six inches dating back to July 2025. That’s a massive hole to dig out of. When the ground is this thirsty, even a small spark from a dragging trailer chain or a "controlled" brush pile that gets away can turn into a 100-acre problem in an afternoon.
Reading the Danger Ratings Today
If you look at the NC State Climate Office’s fire weather portal, you’ll see a lot of yellow and orange today. The "Adjective Rating" for much of the state is hovering between Moderate and High.
- Low: Things don't catch easily.
- Moderate: Fires can start from accidents (like tossing a cigarette), but usually stay small.
- High: Fine, dead fuels (think dead grass and pine straw) ignite readily.
- Very High: Fires spread fast and "spotting" (embers flying ahead) becomes a huge issue.
Today, the Southern Piedmont and the Sandhills are the areas to watch. The N.C. Forest Service specifically warned on January 16 to postpone outdoor burning. Kinda sucks if you had a pile of yard waste ready to go, but with the current wind gusts, it's just not worth the risk of burning down your shed—or your neighbor’s.
The Role of Prescribed Burns
You might see smoke and freak out, but not every plume is a disaster. The NC Forest Service and groups like the Wildlife Resources Commission are actually starting some of these fires. These are "prescribed burns."
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They do this on purpose to eat up the "fuel load"—all those dead sticks and leaves—under controlled conditions so that when a real wildfire hits in the spring, there’s nothing left for it to eat. If you see a fire on the map labeled "RX," that’s the good kind. It’s basically a forest reset button.
How to Stay Safe and Smoke-Free
If you live near the Greenwood Fire or the Coastal incidents, the air quality is the immediate concern. Smoke is no joke, especially for kids or if you have asthma.
- Check the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map. It uses those PurpleAir sensors you see on people's porches to give you real-time data.
- Keep windows shut. Sounds obvious, but even a "nice" breeze today can carry fine particulates into your living room.
- Clean your gutters. I know, I know. It's a chore. But a single ember landing in a gutter full of dry leaves is how most homes catch fire during these events.
The Southern Region's National Preparedness Level is currently at Level 3. That means resources are being shifted around to handle the workload. Firefighters from the mountains are being pre-positioned in the flatlands and vice versa.
Actionable Steps for NC Residents Right Now
Look, the "wildfire season" in North Carolina isn't a fixed date anymore. It's a set of conditions. Since we are in a severe drought, you need to change how you handle your property this weekend.
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Stop all outdoor burning immediately. Even if you have a permit, check the daily district readiness plan. Many county rangers have quietly stopped issuing new permits until we get a solid inch of rain.
Create a "Defensible Space." Take 20 minutes today to move that stack of firewood away from your vinyl siding. Clear the dead "mop" of grass around your propane tank. These tiny 5-foot buffers are often the only reason a house survives when a grass fire sweeps through a neighborhood.
Prepare a "Go-Bag" for your pets. If you're in the western districts near the national forests, things can change if the wind shifts. Have a leash, a few days of food, and any meds ready by the door. You probably won't need it, but you'll feel a lot better knowing it's there.
Monitor the NCFS Wildfire Public Viewer for the most up-to-the-minute perimeter maps. If you see a new column of smoke and don't hear sirens, call 911. Don't assume someone else already did. In this dry weather, every second counts.