Western North Carolina is entering the spring season with significantly below-normal rainfall, raising concerns about an increased risk of wildfires. The Asheville area has seen a consistent deficit in rainfall since September 2025, leading to a cumulative shortage of 10.67 inches, according to WLOS. This prolonged dry spell has created conditions conducive to the rapid spread of wildfires, posing a threat to the region's forests and communities. Rainfall measurements taken at the Asheville Regi