Wild Fires Burn the South

Weekend wildfires erupted across several drought-stricken southern states and still threaten the lives and homes of thousands of people. Today firefighters in Virginia continue to battle brush fires that began yesterday and burned through half of the State’s 95 counties. Meteorologists said winds gusting up to 60 mph on Sunday helped spread the fires.

The largest outbreak reported in Virginia was about 500 acres in Bedford County, where county officials reported at least 10 fires burning. The flames damaged at least three homes and officials say that number is expected to increase. Meanwhile Virginia governor Tim Kaine declared a state of emergency. About 100 National Guard troops have been mobilized to help and the Virginia Department of Forestry has five aircraft to fight the flames.

In South Carolina firefighters spent the weekend battling more than 90 wind-fueled wild blazes statewide. The worst outbreak reported was along a state highway in Horry County which covered about 250 acres. North Carolina also experienced wild fire damage. No deaths have been reported in any of the states at this time.

Devastation in the form of a natural disaster is always unexpected and many people do not have extra money set aside to help them in an emergency situation. Disasters re-emphasize the importance of having an emergency fund. “A week ago no one knew this was going to happen so the important thing to remember about an emergency fund is that you might need it tomorrow,” says Stuart Ritter, a certified financial planner with T. Rowe Price.