An unexpected adventure: Macon County couple recalls evacuation from Israel

When Hamas hit Israel with a massive terrorist attack on Oct. 7, there were an estimated 600,000 Americans in the country. While many were residents, there were also plenty who were tourists and had planned to head home within just a few days. 

Firefighters battle 50-plus square miles of WNC wildfires

Western North Carolina is ablaze with 22 wildfires currently burning through more than 50 square miles in the seven most western counties. Smoke from the fires is posing health hazards while continued severe drought conditions are leaving many communities with a limited water supply.

Holding the line
Arson suspected in WNC fires
Fleeing fire
Local water supplies drying up
Wildfires torment residents, tourism
Dangerous smoke hazard persists throughout WNC

Swain family faces evacuation as fire encroaches

Home to the Hancock family for generations, the hills and hollows along Silvermine Road are an ingrained identity for siblings Teresa Hancock, Christy Birchfield and Garry Hancock. But this year is the first in their decades of living that smoke has obscured the sky, ash has rained from the air, and flickers of flame have threatened the home that’s served as setting for memories across the seasons of life.

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