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. 

 

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our newsletter.

Related Stories
‹
A Democratic Governor, A Republican Legislature: How Josh Stein Navigates North Carolina Politics
North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein has taken an unusual approach with Republicans in his first eight months leading the highly competitive state.
Fire Breaks Out in Hillsborough From Transformer Sparks; 2,700 Residents Without Power
A fire started by a sparking transformer along South Churton Street in Hillsborough led to a brief blaze and hundreds of Duke Energy customers without power on Sunday afternoon. Videos credited to Sherry Hensley and shared by The News of Orange on social media showed sparks from a utility pole falling and setting the nearby […]
Orange Rural Fire Department Responds to Blaze at Hillsborough Storage Facility
The Orange Rural Fire Department responded to a commercial structure fire at the Surety Storage facility in Hillsborough late Tuesday night. Surety Storage is located at 2707 North Carolina Highway 86 South. According to a release from the fire department, the first engine to arrive quickly reported smoke and fire conditions from “several” storage units […]
'Let's Not Forget Our Neighbors': UNC Leader Shares Western NC's Needs Amid Helene Recovery
In western North Carolina, recovery continues from Hurricane Helene last fall. UNC officials are working to harness their resources to help.
UNC Law Students Use Spring Break to Provide Legal Aid, Reassurance to Hurricane Helene Victims
While UNC was on spring break in mid-March, eight law students helped hold clinics in western North Carolina offering pro bono services.
Another $524M for North Carolina Helene Recovery OK'd by Legislators
North Carolina lawmakers agreed to spend another $524 million on still-pressing needs from Hurricane Helene's wrath nearly six months ago.
New North Carolina Governor Seeks To Freeze Tax Cuts, Phase Out School Vouchers in Budget
North Carolina Democratic Gov. Josh Stein urged Republicans to roll back upcoming income tax rate cuts and private school vouchers.
North Carolina’s New Governor Seeks More Helene Aid, Help for Families in Legislative Address
Written by GARY D. ROBERTSON RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — New North Carolina Democratic Gov. Josh Stein gave his first address to a joint General Assembly session Wednesday night, hitting on familiar campaign and early-term themes of helping Hurricane Helene victims, making living expenses affordable and focusing on bipartisan accomplishments. Stein delivered the biennial State of the State […]
Another $500M for Hurricane Helene Relief in North Carolina Passes Key Hurdle
Another $500 million to be spent toward Hurricane Helene recovery efforts earned unanimous approval in the North Carolina House on Tuesday.
North Carolina Lawmakers Propose Next Helene Package That’s Half the Price of the Governor’s
North Carolina Republican lawmakers proposed less than half of what new Democratic Gov. Josh Stein requested to Hurricane Helene recovery efforts.
›