Governor Josh Stein declared a State of Emergency as wildfires spread across Western North Carolina, enhancing the state’s ability to respond.

The order, issued March 26, covers multiple counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ tribal lands.

With over 105 wildfires burning more than 8,600 acres, Stein emphasized the state’s full mobilization of emergency resources to combat the growing crisis, WBTV has reported.

Written by B.C. Begley