North Carolina News

Both the American Red Cross of North Carolina and the Billy Graham Rapid Response team are offering support out west during deadly and historic wildfires. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — From the mountains of western North Carolina to the wildfire-ravaged communities of Southern California, Charlotte-based disaster response organizations are conducting simultaneous relief operations on opposite coasts. The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team and American Red Cross of North Carolina are coordinating efforts to help communities facing drastically…

Santa Ana winds that began gusting over the mountains before sunrise were forecast to continue with enough force to carry fire-sparking embers for miles. LOS ANGELES — Millions of people across Southern California faced new wildfire warnings Tuesday, and tens of thousands saw their power shut off as strong winds blew across the parched landscape around Los Angeles where two massive blazes have been burning for a week. Santa Ana winds that began gusting over the…

Winds of up to 45 mph are expected over the next few days, which could accelerate fires in areas that have already been burning for a week. LOS ANGELES — After making some progress battling wildfires that destroyed thousands of homes and killed at least 24 people in the Los Angeles area, firefighters prepared for a return of dangerous winds that could again stoke the flames. The relative calm Sunday allowed some people to return…

Winds of up to 45 mph are expected over the next few days, which could accelerate fires in areas that have already been burning for a week. LOS ANGELES — After making some progress battling wildfires that destroyed thousands of homes and killed at least 24 people in the Los Angeles area, firefighters prepared for a return of dangerous winds that could again stoke the flames. The relative calm Sunday allowed some people to return…

The North Carolina Forest Service is warning people of the increase in fire risk over the next week. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Just days after winter weather gripped North Carolina, state forestry officials are warning of increased wildfire risks across the state, with western regions facing immediate concern. “No one is out of the woods yet,” said Dr. Erica Smithwick of the Penn State Climate Consortium, who has spent her career studying wildfires. “We’re seeing these…

The level of devastation is jarring even in a state that has grown used to massive wildfires, especially this far into winter. LOS ANGELES — The two biggest wildfires ravaging the Los Angeles area have killed at least 10 people and burned more than 10,000 homes and other structures, officials said as they urged more people to heed evacuation orders after a new blaze ignited and quickly grew. The Kenneth Fire started in the late…

With shelters at capacity, many folks are left to face the winter storm on their own. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As a winter storm approaches the Charlotte area, homeless residents are struggling to find warmth and shelter, with many local facilities already at capacity. “It’s terrifying actually and even scarier than facing a hurricane,” Tosha Haney, who is experiencing homelessness, said. She and her partner are among those forced to seek creative solutions for survival, including…

The fires in the Los Angeles area have consumed about 45 square miles — roughly the size of the city of San Francisco. LOS ANGELES — More evacuations were underway across Los Angeles on Thursday as another fire broke out. The Los Angeles Fire Department issued orders Thursday afternoon for what’s known as the Kenneth Fire. The fire is burning near the West Hills neighborhood that is packed with homes in the San Fernando Valley….

The fires in the Los Angeles area have consumed about 45 square miles — roughly the size of the city of San Francisco. LOS ANGELES — Firefighters aided by calmer winds saw the first signs of successfully beating back a series of deadly and devastating wildfires Thursday, though the fires still burned out of control in and around Los Angeles as the enormity of the devastation started to come into focus with haunting scenes of destruction….