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POLK COUNTY—Firefighters continue to work to contain three wildfires in Polk County. This group of fires consists of the Black Cove, Deep Woods, and Fish Hook Fires.  

Currently, 263 personnel from North Carolina and other states are present to manage the incident. Firefighters have come from South Carolina, Michigan, Montana, Wyoming, Tennessee, Oregon, South Dakota, and California to help contain this fire. 

Fire movement remained active on these fires today, with increases in acreage on the Black Cove and Deep Woods Fires. The Black Cove Fire is moving into Henderson County along Big Hungry Creek Road, where firefighters are attempting to slow the spread of the fire and protect structures. The Black Cove Fire saw movement to the southeast towards Cove Creek, where firefighters are trying to contain it to the north of Holbert Cove Road. Dry conditions are expected into the evening and overnight, with more dry and windy conditions later this week. 

Polk County has issued 165 evacuation orders at this time, and Henderson County has issued 29 evacuation orders. 

Black Cove Fire

The Black Cove Fire was first reported on March 19 and was last mapped at 2,813 acres. This fire is burning on state-owned and private land in the Green River Gorge, approximately two miles northeast of Saluda. The fire is burning in timber on steep terrain and is currently 0%  contained. Firefighters are working to build control lines on both sides of the river to prevent fire from spreading into neighborhoods and inhabited areas to the west of the fire. Evacuation orders for Polk County have been issued for residents at: 

• Green River Cove Road addresses from 1091-1528 
• Lady Slipper Trail 
• Big Hungry Road 
• Spurgeon Cove Lane 
• English Heifer Cove Road 
• Deer Trail 
• Scarlets Mountain Road 

Yesterday, the Black Cove Fire made a push to the northwest, crossing into Henderson County in the upper reaches of the Big Hungry River. Henderson County has issued a voluntary evacuation for residents at:

• Laurel Mountain View Road 
• Boulder View Road

Deep Woods Fire

The Deep Woods Fire was first reported on March 19 and was last mapped at 2,742 acres. This fire is burning on state-owned and private land in the Green River Gorge and in the neighboring  Holbert Cove Community, approximately 5 miles northwest of Columbus. The fire is burning in timber on steep terrain and is currently 0% contained. Firefighters are working on protecting structures on the southern end of the fire and preventing it from spreading south of Holbert Cove Road. Evacuation orders have been issued for  residents at: 

• 5079-7265 Holberts Cove Road 
• Fox Paw Lane 

Fish Hook Fire

The Fish Hook Fire was first reported on March 20 and is currently mapped at 199 acres. This fire is burning on private land near Lake Adger, approximately 5 miles northwest of Mill Spring. The Fish Hook Fire currently stands at 69% containment, and the forward progress of the fire has been stopped. Firefighters have been securing firebreaks along the edges of the fire and extinguishing smoldering fuels. Containment is expected to increase in the coming days, and firefighters will remain on scene until the fire poses no further threat. All evacuations related to the Fish Hook Fire have been lifted. 

The Federal Aviation Administration has placed a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the fire in order to allow firefighting aircraft to operate safely. North Carolina General Statute 15A‑300.1 prohibits flying an unmanned aircraft (drone) over any fire under the authority of the NC Forest Service. 

To check wildfire activity across the state, use the North Carolina Wildfire Public Viewer at  https://ncfspublic.firesponse.com/.