November is coming to a close and yet I still find myself with the windows down on my ride to work at 3 p.m. However, in the past few days as I have been driving into High Point, North Carolina and I have been finding the aroma of something burning invading my car. The wildfires that have been destroying the western terrain of North Carolina are sending smoke toward the Triad. With the fires having already hit close to home, as they rage around the area my brother lives and works, the smell of smoke is only a reminder that this battle is far from over.

When I first heard of the fires it was from my brother. He told me the road we use to travel on to cut through to Cherokee, NC has been engulfed in flames. It has been reported by WLOS news that firefighters are, "fighting at least 13 brush fires due to our very dry conditions." However, the thick smoke continues to blanket the North Carolina mountains, and now is starting to reach the triad.

Joe Bruno with WSOC news noted the latest numbers for the Chestnut Knob fire, "6,433 acres, 45% contained, 395 personnel, 35 engines, and 10 dozers." Fire crews are using planes and helicopters to help aid in the fight against the wildfires. Planes are dropping over 100,000 gallons of water on fires there. According to my brother, Fontana Lake is being used as a large water source to help fight the blazing fires as well.

However, with the wind pickup in recent days, containing the fires is becoming more and more challenging. Governor Pat McCrory said, "We cannot let our guard down, because the last thing we want is this fire to start back up and with the wind changing this weekend, we've got to be extremely careful in this region."

At the end of the day, the communities working together to fight these fires is what is making a difference. The communities surrounding these fires are coming together as the fires continue to take over the land.

Authorities are reportedly checking homes and staying aware of evacuation routes. Many homes have been saved due to the proactive efforts of the firefighters. According to WSOC news, "Firefighters have been told they do not need to worry about food because most local restaurants are offering meals for fee. Other people in the community are also pitching in with food donations."

Burke County Emergency Management Director Mike Willis told WSOC news, "I want every one of you to know that we will be there."