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Firefighting crews increase containment on the Deep Woods, Black Cove fires

POLK COUNTY—Additional resources continue arriving to assist with firefighting efforts on the Black Cove Complex. There are now 458 personnel from North Carolina and other states across the nation supporting this incident. Resources assigned to this complex have decreased due to North Carolina personnel being needed for response to other North Carolina fires.

A Red Flag Warning over the fire area expired this evening. The National Weather Service issued this warning due to increased temperature, low humidity, and increased winds. The potential for rain is forecast early next week ahead of a cold front that will approach the region Sunday before crossing the area Monday.

North Carolina fire departments from as far as Swansboro, nearly six hours away, are supporting the incident. Out-of-state resources, including crew and support personnel, have come from Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Mississippi, Montana, New York, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and Wyoming.

Black Cove Fire 

Currently, the Black Cove Fire is 3,410 acres in size and 23% 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 areas of extreme burning conditions due to shifting winds and dry weather during the day. The southwest portion of Black Cove is still a top priority for securing the fire’s edge and protecting homes within the Skyland Acres area. To remove unburned fuels between the containment lines and the fire area, strategic firing operations are ongoing into the night around the Big Hungry area down to the Green River. Crews were able to install containment features directly on the fire’s edge, around the fire, east and south of Summer Haven Lane. Crews are securing these areas and will continue to monitor them through the night.    

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 3,797 acres in size and 32% 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.

The northwestern section of the fire is becoming more secure as firefighting crews continue to patrol and monitor fire containment lines. Structure protection efforts are ongoing along the southeastern section of the fire. Containment lines have been constructed from Green River Road to Holbert Cove Road by way of Cove Mountain, and strategic firing operations have begun on that section and will continue into the night. The purpose of these “burnouts” is to remove unburned fuels between the containment lines and the active fire. These operations are closely monitored and patrolled to maintain safety and control over the operation.

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 the fire’s forward progress 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 the 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 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. 

On Thursday, March 27 at 6 p.m., the city of Saluda hosted a community meeting for Saluda residents. Fire managers and emergency officials attended to provide updates on the Black Cove, Deep Woods and Fish Hook fires. For those unable to attend the meeting, a recording can be viewed at https://vimeo.com/1070351162

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