Several wildfires erupted near North Carolina towns still recovering from Hurricane Helene, with the largest fire near Marion consuming 220 acres and leading to evacuations. Emergency crews have made progress, and evacuation orders have been lifted, though challenges remain due to debris from the hurricane.
President Donald Trump visited Swannanoa, North Carolina, to evaluate recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene's devastation, criticizing FEMA's response and proposing direct state funding for disaster relief.
President Donald Trump has proposed a significant overhaul of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), suggesting the possibility of abolishing the agency. He criticized FEMA's response to Hurricane Helene and linked his criticism to California's wildfire crisis, proposing changes to federal aid conditions.
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein is spearheading recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, focusing on infrastructure repair, temporary housing, and federal assistance to aid the affected communities.