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A Sunny View FD tanker draws water from Lake Adger. (Photo courtesy of Larry McDermott)

A helicopter can be seen flying over the Black Cove fire on Wednesday afternoon. (Photo courtesy of Saluda Fire and Rescue)

A map showing the locations of the three active wildfires in Polk County (Image courtesy of N.C. Forest Service)

The Black Cove Fire has burned at least 583 acres off Green River Cove Rd. (Photo courtesy of Polk Co. Govt)

The Fish Hook Fire has burned at least 150 acres in the Lake Adger community. (Photo courtesy of Larry McDermott)

117 North Boundary Road, Lake Adger. Home destroyed. No one was at home at the time of the fire.

Two firefighters from the NC Forest Service extinguishing hot spots at noon Friday on the trail that crosses North Boundary Road.

Black Cove, Deep Woods, Fish Hook fires burn 2,300 acres, destroy homes

POLK COUNTY—Three separate wildfires have burned at least 2,300 acres in the northwestern part of the county, as low humidity and high winds have caused the blazes to spread rapidly.

“All three fires were really active last night (Thursday), heavily influenced by the wind,” said Jeremy Waldroop with the N.C. Forest Service. “Very rocky, steep terrain made it challenging to control lines. We’ve been dealing with fuels left behind from Helene, as well.”

Thankfully, no injuries have been reported related to the wildfires.

Polk County Public Information Officer Kellie Cannon said three houses and one garage were completely destroyed due to the Fish Hook Fire, with one additional structure damaged. One house and one outbuilding were a total loss as a result of the Deep Woods Fire, with two structures damaged there. No structures have been damaged due to the Black Cove Fire, the largest of the three.

As of Friday, mandatory evacuations were still in effect in the Piney Mountain and Lake Adger communities. Affected residents can go to the Polk County Shelter, located at 75 Carmel Lane in Columbus.

“We’re also asking everyone to stay out of the area and off the roads in the vicinity of the fires, as crews are still working,” said Cannon. “We will let the community know when it’s safe return.”

Food and water donations for firefighters and affected residents are being accepted at two locations within the county: Foothills Community Church, 2720 Landrum Road in Columbus, and Friendship Baptist Church, 279 Friendship Church Road in Saluda. Cannon noted that no clothes are being accepted at this time.

Cannon also said Polk County Animal Services is evacuating and boarding pets and livestock in the affected areas. Residents can make arrangements by calling (828) 817-7984.

The Black Cove Fire was first reported at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19, in the 4000-5000 block of Green River Cove Rd. near Saluda. According to the N.C. Forest Service, the fire has burned 1,083 acres and originated from a downed power line. Dry weather, steep terrain, and sustained winds have made controlling the fire challenging. As of Friday evening, the blaze was 0% contained as dry conditions continued.

The Deep Woods Fire started Wednesday night in the Piney Mountain Community off Holbert Cove Rd. and has burned at least 1,102 acres. The cause of this fire is unknown and is currently under investigation. The Deep Woods Fire is also uncontained as of press time.

On Thursday evening, mandatory evacuations were issued for residents of Deepwoods Lane, Wesley Lane, Piney Gate Rd., Piney Overlook Lane, Gamelands Trail, Oakview Lane, Volley Way, Charity Branch Dr., Windsong Lane and Moonshine Trace.

The Fish Hook Fire was first reported around 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 20, and had burned 150-acre acres in the Lake Adger community within hours. After increasing to almost 200 acres in size, by Friday evening the fire was back down to 150 acres and was 50% contained, according to the N.C. Fire Service. Officials said the Fish Hook Fire was also caused by a downed power line.

Emergency evacuations were ordered for residents of North Park Lane, North Boundry Rd., North Martin Lane, Highland Lane and Parkway North Rd. 

The N.C. Forest Service has been conducting operations to contain the fires in coordination with local officials and multiple fire departments from Polk and surrounding counties. Officials point out that fallen trees and dried vegetation left behind after Hurricane Helene have helped fuel the fires and, in some cases, have physically blocked access. Low humidity is also a factor, with no rain in the forecast until late Sunday night.

The fires come on the heels of the 3910 Fire, which burned 619 acres earlier this month near Tryon and Saluda. This is a developing story. Please visit tryondailybulletin.com and polknc.gov/em for the most current information.

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