North Carolina News

Nearly 2,000 homes and businesses have been destroyed as winds of up to 100 mph have rapidly intensified the fires. LOS ANGELES — Firefighters battled to control a series of major fires in the Los Angeles area early Thursday that have killed five people, ravaged communities from the Pacific Coast to Pasadena and sent thousands of people frantically fleeing their homes. Ferocious winds that drove the flames and led to chaotic evacuations have calmed somewhat…

Five people have died in the Los Angeles-area wildfires. The Hornets are set to face the Lakers on Thursday. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The deadly wildfire emergency in California could potentially impact a game between the Charlotte Hornets and the Los Angeles Lakers. The Hornets (8-27) are set to face the Lakers (20-16) on Thursday at the Crypto.com Arena at 10:30 p.m. ET. This would be the Lakers’ first home game since Jan. 3, days before…

A Chester County organization is working to prevent catastrophes by reducing the impacts of future wildfires. RICHBURG, S.C. — As wildfires ravage Southern California communities, a South Carolina research facility is working to prevent future catastrophes through advanced testing and firefighter education. The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) in Chester County operates a unique facility capable of recreating extreme weather conditions, including wildfire ember storms. “We have a capability that doesn’t exist…

A Chester County organization is working to prevent catastrophes by reducing the impacts of future wildfires. RICHBURG, S.C. — As wildfires ravage Southern California communities, a South Carolina research facility is working to prevent future catastrophes through advanced testing and firefighter education. The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) in Chester County operates a unique facility capable of recreating extreme weather conditions, including wildfire ember storms. “We have a capability that doesn’t exist…

The situation prompted the Los Angeles Fire Department to take the rare step of putting out a plea for off-duty firefighters to help. LOS ANGELES — Massive wildfires roaring through the Los Angeles area left neighborhoods in ruins Wednesday, killing at least five people and threatening landmarks made famous by Hollywood as desperate residents escaped through flames that spread out of control with help from hurricane-force winds. Three major blazes that erupted just a day…

As officials provided an update on the fires, a new blaze broke out in the Hollywood Hills, and evacuation orders were also extended to Santa Monica. LOS ANGELES — A fast-moving fire in the Hollywood Hills erupted Wednesday night as more evacuations were ordered for Los Angeles residents and fire crews battled three other major blazes that killed at least five people. The Sunset Fire was burning near the Hollywood Bowl and other iconic landmarks…

Wind gusts of up to 70 mph have purred the fire’s rapid growth, and winds could reach 100 mph or more Wednesday as firefighters try to limit the damage. LOS ANGELES — California firefighters battled wind-whipped wildfires that tore across the Los Angeles area, destroying homes, clogging roadways as tens of thousands fled and straining resources as the fires burned uncontained early Wednesday. The flames from a fire that broke out Tuesday evening near a…

People living in flood-prone areas of Mecklenburg County can take advantage of federal funding to mitigate future damage from natural disasters. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Residents in Mecklenburg County whose homes were damaged by Hurricane Helene can now apply for disaster relief. For those living with the county’s floodplain or with a history of flood damage, the funding provided through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) could be a critical resource.  The program allows eligible property…

Before the storm, Watauga County was already short 500 childcare spots. A provider says that may now be up to 700. BOONE, N.C. — Amidst an already large childcare deficit, existing childcare providers in Western North Carolina are struggling to make ends meet. Halee Hartley is the owner and director of Kid Cove, which operates multiple childcare facilities in the area. WCNC Charlotte first met her in October, right after Helene. While her facilities were able…

NORTH CAROLINA, USA — North Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene now have until Feb. 6, 2025, to apply for federal disaster assistance, the NC Department of Public Safety announced. The extension covers 39 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Eligible residents must have uninsured losses from the storm. FEMA has encouraged those with insurance to file claims first before applying for FEMA aid. But, you don’t need to wait for an insurance settlement…