The North Carolina Forest Service and local fire crews are dealing with an immense amount of fuel, like leaves and trees, on the ground following Helene.

With uncertainty swirling around when some federal funding will arrive, state officials are now spending an extra $524 million in state funds for Hurricane Helene rebuilding efforts. Lawmakers previously approved $1 billion in relief aid.

North Carolina lawmakers have agreed to spend another $528 million on still-pressing needs from Hurricane Helene’s historic flooding nearly six months ago