Six months ago, Southern Appalachia was devastated by Hurricane Helene.

Now, after a dry spell and a windy March — the region faces wildfires that are feeding on the downed trees and vegetation that the hurricane knocked to the forest floor.

The North Carolina Forest Service has declared one of them "the highest priority fire in the U.S."

And due to climate change and population growth, the Carolinas must anticipate a future with more fire danger.

Experts and first responders explain the current situation — and the way forward.

For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for Consider This+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.

Email us at considerthis@npr.org.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy