Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

POLK COUNTY—The Black Cove Complex currently has more than 500 personnel from North Carolina and other states across the nation supporting this incident.

A Red Flag Warning was issued for the area due to increased temperature, low humidity, and increased winds, all conditions favorable for fire progression. Rain chances increase early next week ahead of a cold front that will approach the region Sunday before crossing the area Monday.

Excessive storm debris and timber damage from Hurricane Helene have created many challenges for firefighting efforts. One factor is the loss of tree canopy. More ground cover is receiving direct sunlight, accelerating the rate at which fuels dry out.

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 rapid spread and extreme burning conditions due to shifting winds and dry weather throughout the day. The southwest portion of Black Cove remains a priority for securing the fire perimeter and protecting homes within the Skyland Acres area. Strategic firing operations continued throughout the night to remove unburned fuels between containment lines and fire areas around the Skyland Acres area. Due to the high relative humidity recovery last night, firing operations had minimal fire activity, resulting in a safe and slow burn, which concluded at 3 a.m.

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.

A combination of bulldozer and hand lines were utilized on the southeastern portion of the fire close to the Green River. By utilizing the containment lines, firefighters were able to complete successful strategic firing operations to protect homes close to Green River Road. The purpose of the firing operation is to bring strategic and slow-moving fire within the unburned fuels with lower temperatures and elevated humidity levels overnight. A combination of wildland firefighters and structural firefighters were present throughout the night to ensure firing operations were safe and successful. Firefighters throughout the day shift will hold and strengthen this line.

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.

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.