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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 476 personnel from North Carolina and other states across the nation.

Weather conditions continue to fuel rapid fire progression with lower humidities and higher winds. According to the Southern Appalachian Fuel and Fire Behavior Advisory, the average relative humidity in March 2025 is the lowest observed across the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Poor moisture recovery overnight and afternoon sunshine are contributing to more extreme fire behavior. The lingering smoke within the area is residual smoke from the Table Rock Fire in South Carolina and is expected to reduce by afternoon.

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 3,052 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 rapid spread and extreme burning conditions due to high winds and dry weather. The primary objective overnight was to establish better containment along the western fire area. A successful strategic firing operation was completed on the Northwest portion of the fire within Henderson County. A strategic firing operation is designed to consume fuel between a wildfire and a firebreak, creating a barrier to stop the fire’s spread.

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 3,231 acres in size and 11% 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. 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 86% 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.

On Tuesday, March 26, Governor Josh Stein broadened 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.