It might be difficult to imagine fires breaking out anytime soon in Western North Carolina with the rain descending through the weekend.
But March-May across the state is historically spring wildfire season, a time when conditions are more favorable for wildfire, according to the North Carolina and the U.S Forest Service.
To help reduce the risk of wildfire, the national forests are now setting intentional, controlled fires, also known as prescribed burns, which can mimic nature fire disturbance in the mountains, to areas in the Pisgah and Nantahala national forests, said spokeswoman Adrianne Rubiaco. The low- to medium-intensity burns thin out underbrush and flammable vegetation that can lead to runaway fires whipped up by spring winds and typically drier conditions, while also creating healthier, more diverse, and more resilient forests that can better support wildlife, she said.