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Crews make containment progress on Deep Woods, Fish Hook fires

POLK COUNTY—The Black Cove Complex is the highest priority fire in the U.S., which gives the IMT priority for resources. Currently, there are 500 personnel from North Carolina and other states across the nation.

Weather conditions continue to fuel fire progression as relative humidity levels remain low. Rain chances increase early next week ahead of a cold front approaching the region Sunday before crossing the area through Monday. Despite having well-timed, soaking rain earlier in the season, 30-day precipitation has fallen well below the average for most of the region. While containment features can effectively slow or stop wildfire activity, there is no matching the effectiveness of a soaking rain.

N.C. Forest Service aerial resources have been shared throughout Western North Carolina as wildfires continue to increase across the state. The N.C. Forest Service utilizes four helicopters and two single-engine air tankers throughout North Carolina. Additionally, the U.S. Forest Service has utilized two Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopters. The helicopters are primarily used for wildland firefighting, carrying larger amounts of water and can be utilized for more rugged terrain. Chinook helicopters carry 2,300 to 2,500 gallons, depending on elevation and fuel load. A K-MAX helicopter, also being utilized on North Carolina wildfires, can carry 420 gallons. N.C. Forest Service helicopters have been carrying 200 to 300 gallons.

Fire managers and emergency officials will attend a community meeting held by the City of Saluda on Thursday, March 27, at 6 p.m. to provide information and updates on the Black Cove, Deep Woods, and Fish Hook fires burning in Henderson and Polk counties. The meeting will be held at The Party Place & Event Center, 221 Friendship Church Rd, Saluda, NC 28773. Meeting attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss plans with emergency officials.

Black Cove Fire 

Currently, the Black Cove Fire is 3,288 acres in size and 17% contained. The fire is burning in timber on state-owned and private land, approximately 2 miles northeast of Saluda, in the Green River Gorge.

Fire behavior has continued to be intense, with fire spread and extreme burning conditions due to high winds and dry weather. The southwest portion of Black Cove is a top priority for securing the fire perimeter and protecting homes within the Skyland Acres area. Strategic firing operations will continue to be utilized to remove unburned fuels between containment lines and fire areas.

The Black Cove Fire was first reported on Wednesday, March 19. The cause of this fire was determined to be a downed powerline.

Deep Woods Fire

Currently, the Deep Woods Fire is 3,373 acres and 30% contained. The fire is burning approximately 5 miles northwest of Columbus in timber on state-owned and private land in the Green River Gorge and the neighboring Holbert Cove community.

Firefighters are holding the fire north of Holbert Cove Road. Additional resources are being utilized on the southern portion of Deep Woods, using firing operations to prevent the western growth of the fire. All other sections of the fire are experiencing limited fire growth.

The Deep Woods Fire was first reported on Wednesday, March 19. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Fish Hook Fire

Currently, the Fish Hook Fire is 199 acres in size and 95% contained. The fire is burning approximately 5 miles northwest of Mill Spring on private land near Lake Adger.

Firefighting personnel have stopped the forward progress of the fire and continue securing firebreaks along the fire’s edges and extinguishing smoldering fuels. Containment is expected to increase in the coming days, and firefighters will remain on scene until the fire no longer poses a threat.

The Fish Hook fire was first reported on Thursday, March 20. The cause of this fire was determined to be a downed powerline.

Other important information:

On Tuesday, March 26, Governor Josh Stein broadened a State of Emergency to expand the state’s capacity to respond to the wildfires burning in Western North Carolina.

Evacuation levels are constantly being assessed based on fire activity. For updated or current evacuation notices for Polk County, visit www.polknc.gov/fireupdates. For updated or current evacuation notices for Henderson County, refer to Henderson County’s website.

A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place at an altitude from the surface up to and including 5,500 feet daily until further notice. Firefighting aircraft that respond to wildfires fly low in support of ground personnel. Drones can pose a serious threat to pilots and public safety. A drone that disrupts air operations also puts firefighters, residents, and property at risk of loss to wildfire.

Effective 8 a.m. Friday, March 21, a ban on all open burning was issued statewide. All burning permits are canceled, and no new permits are being issued. The ban remains in effect until further notice. 

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