States of emergency declared amid wildfires across Carolinas, Bristol

North Carolina and South Carolina have declared states of emergency and issued evacuation orders due to a series of wildfires that have spread across the region, prompting mandatory evacuations and a statewide burn ban. In North Carolina, firefighters are battling three major fires in Polk County, which have consumed almost 8 square miles, while in South Carolina, the Table Rock Fire has burned over 1,300 acres with no containment as of Sunday. Authorities warn of reduced visibility and dangerous conditions for those remaining in the area, stressing the importance of evacuating promptly. Both states have mobilized resources to manage the fires, with South Carolina emphasizing the need for controlled burns to protect residential areas. Additionally, Bristol, Virginia has declared a local state of emergency due to similar high winds and dry conditions, resulting in a ban on outdoor burning until the weather improves. The situation across these states highlights the significant fire risks posed by ongoing dry weather and winds.