The Southeastern U.S. faces a future with more wildfires
The Southeastern U.S. faces a future with more wildfires
A firefighter monitors a preventative blaze to limit the spread of the Deepwoods Fire near Columbus, N.C. Allison Joyce/Getty Images hide caption
A firefighter monitors a preventative blaze to limit the spread of the Deepwoods Fire near Columbus, N.C.
Allison Joyce/Getty ImagesSix months ago, Southern Appalachia was devastated by Hurricane Helene.
Now, after a dry spell and a windy March — the region faces wildfires that are feeding on the downed trees and vegetation that the hurricane knocked to the forest floor.
The North Carolina Forest Service has declared one of them "the highest priority fire in the U.S."
And due to climate change and population growth, the Carolinas must anticipate a future with more fire danger.
Experts and first responders explain the current situation — and the way forward.
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This episode was produced by Erika Ryan, with audio engineering from Josephine Nyounai and Tiffany Vera Castro. It was edited by Patrick Jarenwattananon. Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.