From Staff Reports 

ASHEVILLE — While “the worst wildfires in the country right now are burning in Western North Carolina and the South Carolina Upstate,” area firefighters “continue to hope for significant rainfall to tamp down on the spreading fires,” the Asheville Citizen Times reported at mid-afternoon March 30.

“Sunday March 30) weather forecasts some rain for the areas impacted by the wildfires, but whether it will be enough to make a dent remains to be seen,” the ACT noted.

However, as of mid-afternoon March 30, the newspaper stated. “Hundreds of firefighters from across the country are battling the wildfires around the clock in WNC and the Upstate (of S.C.). Five hundred firefighting personnel have been battling the blazes in Polk County, where some residents have faced mandatory evacuations, as have residents in other counties such as Transylvania. Some homes have been destroyed. Only one injury has been reported.

“The largest fire in the region is the Table Rock Fire in Pickens County, South Carolina, which doubled in size Friday (March 28)  and crossed the state line into Transylvania County in North Carolina. 

“In North Carolina, large wildfires are burning in Polk County, the Deep Woods and Black Cove fires; Swain County, the Alarka Fire; and Haywood County, the Rattlesnake Branch Fire, that has forced the closure of Shining Rock Wilderness in Pisgah National Forest.

Meanwhile, at least two WNC school system — Asheville City and Henderson County — were closed on March 28 because of school officials’ concerns about the poor air quality in those two locales.

A letter from Asheville City School Superintendent Maggie Fehrman stated the following:

“Six months ago, Hurricane Helene tested our resilience, and together, we began the hard work of recovery. Today, as wildfires emerge in our surrounding areas, we face another challenge — one that demands the same unity and strength.

“While these wildfires do not currently threaten our school facilities or operations, we recognize their potential impact on air quality, safety, and emotional well-being. 

“Your safety remains our highest priority, and we are coordinating with emergency management teams to monitor developments. 

“Due to poor air quality predicted for tomorrow, we are going to keep all of our students indoors for recess, middle school Move More, and physical education classes. We will reassess athletic events tomorrow afternoon....”

The statement on the closing from the Henderson County Public Schools expressed similar concerns.