Dry conditions that have prevailed across much of North and South Carolina have created an elevated fire risk.

Firefighters in North and South Carolina are battling multiple wind-driven wildfires. The fires are burning in rugged terrain that is complicating efforts to contain them.

Fallen trees and debris from the September hurricane serve as kindling for the fires and hamper efforts to contain them.

North Carolina lawmakers agreed Wednesday to spend another $524 million on still-pressing needs from Hurricane Helene's historic flooding nearly six months ago, with an emphasis on home and private road repairs,