Crews battled wildfires in North and South Carolina on Sunday amid dry conditions and gusty winds as residents were forced to evacuate in some areas. The National Weather Service warned of increased fire danger in the region due to a combination of critically dry fuels and very low relative humidity.

Even as conditions improved, heavy smoke persisted Monday across the Carolinas as firefighters battle wildfires scorching parts of the region.

Firefighters in the Carolinas have been battling dozens of wildfires over the weekend amid a combination of dry weather and gusty winds. A state of emergency was declared in South Carolina on Sunday,