The Orange Rural Fire Department (ORFD), based in Hillsborough, has deployed an engine crew to Polk County to assist with efforts to fight wildfires. According to WLOS as of Tuesday evening, three fires have burned 6,168 acres in the county, which sits on the border with South Carolina about 200 miles southwest of Orange County.

Firefighters prepare to fight the wildfires in Polk County. (WLOS-TV via AP)

The ORFD crew is reporting to the Polk community of Mill Spring, and expects to be assigned 12- or 24-hour shifts carrying out orders such as building fire containment lines, making at-risk structures more fire-resistant, and covering the local fire station in order to relieve local crews.

ORFD fire chief Jeff Cabe said in a press release that the deployed personnel are very knowledgeable and experienced with fire and rescue services, and are all trained Emergency Medical Technicians.

“We are happy to assist our North Carolina neighbors to our west, knowing that they too would do the same for us if the roles were reversed,” he said. “Please keep our personnel in your thoughts and prayers as they once again step up to help those in need outside of our community.”

Droughts have hit the region throughout the spring, creating conditions for a long and severe fire season when combined with the millions of trees downed by Hurricane Helene last year, according to the Associated Press. The rugged terrain in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains has also hampered firefighting efforts.

The larger two of the three fires in Polk County remain completely uncontained as of Tuesday, while the smallest is 72% contained. 

 

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