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By Anna Skinner
Associate News Editor
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At least nine active wildfires are still burning in North Carolina, though none of them appear to be impacting celebrity homes across the state.
Newsweek reached out to the North Carolina Forest Service (NCFS) by email for comment.
Why It Matters
Countless wildfires ignited in North Carolina over the weekend amid dry conditions and gusty winds. Hundreds of acres have burned in the Blue Ridge mountains near the towns of Tryon and Saluda, forcing residents to evacuate.
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Many of the fires that ignited in the Tar Heel State have since been brought under control, but at least nine still remain active, according to a wildfire map through the NCFS. Dozens more have recently been reported, according to the map.
What To Know
Celebrities who reportedly own property in North Carolina include author Nicholas Sparks in New Bern, singer-songwriter Darius Rucker near Fayetteville, and former basketball star Michael Jordan north of Charlotte. Singers Clay Aiken and Scotty McCreery as well as chef Ashley Christensen live in Raleigh.
Of the active fires in North Carolina, the largest is burning in Polk County, in the western part of the state. It is reported at 400 acres in size and is 30 percent contained as of Monday evening.
None of the celebrity homes were threatened by active wildfires, according to the map.
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Meteorologists across the state warned that fire conditions would persist through Tuesday afternoon, with a high wind watch in place for the Asheville area and a special weather statement issued across the rest of North Carolina.
Dry conditions across North Carolina contributed to the wildfires' ignitions. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor map, nearly 89 percent of the state is considered abnormally dry. The eastern and southern parts of the state are battling moderate drought, with a portion of this region experiencing severe drought.
What People Are Saying
The National Weather Service (NWS) office in Raleigh, North Carolina, in a special weather statement: "Very dry fine fuels and low afternoon relative humidities will promote an increased fire danger across NC through Tuesday afternoon. Winds will increase during the afternoon hours on Tuesday, with occasional gusts to around 20 mph."
It added: "People are urged to avoid outdoor burning through Tuesday. If you must burn, use extreme caution since fires can grow quickly and become dangerous in these conditions. Ensure that fire suppression equipment is readily available. Properly extinguish and dispose of any smoking materials."
What Happens Next?
The special weather statement warning of ideal environmental conditions for fires will persist through Tuesday afternoon.
Looking forward, the NWS Climate Prediction Center expects North Carolina temperatures to be above average through March 17, but the state is expecting above-average precipitation during the same time period.
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