ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — With a week of sunny skies and no rain in the forecast, drought conditions across North Carolina are likely to worsen. Most of the state is already classified as abnormally dry, with some areas experiencing more severe drought conditions.

North Carolina has two main wildfire seasons: a spring season from mid-March to mid-April and a fall season from October through early December. The fall season is now underway, and Western North Carolina faces increased risk because of leftover debris from Tropical Storm Helene, the N.C. Forest Service said.

The Asheville Fire Department is urging residents to take steps to protect homes and neighborhoods. Recommended actions include clearing pine needles, dead leaves and other debris from rooflines, gutters, decks, porches, patios and fence lines to reduce the risk of ignition from falling embers. Residents are also advised to store furniture cushions, mats, potted plants and other combustible items away from doors, decks and patios.

“Where there’s fire, there’s smoke,” the Asheville Fire Department said on social media, emphasizing that residents in high-risk areas should also prepare for wildfire smoke to protect their health.

Nearly all wildfires in North Carolina are caused by human activities, including careless backyard burning, campfires and the use of equipment like tow chains, the NCFS noted. Residents are encouraged to contact local county rangers for guidance and to follow safety tips available here.

As the fall season progresses, the NCFS recommends that anyone planning outdoor fires keep essential tools nearby, including a water source, shovel and rake and maintain defensible space around their homes by removing leaves and landscaping mulch at least 5 feet from structures.