Helene debris heightens wildfire threat as NC Gov. Stein seeks $17M in aid

BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — Nearly two years after Helene tore through western North Carolina, state leaders say the storm’s aftermath is now fueling another growing threat: wildfire danger.

Last Wednesday, N.C. Governor Josh Stein joined the North Carolina Forest Service in Buncombe County to tour a wildfire mitigation project aimed at reducing fire risk tied to massive debris fields left behind by Helene.

The site off Eller Cove Road near Weaverville is part of a larger effort to create fuel breaks, clear hazardous debris and protect homes and critical watershed areas from potential wildfires…

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