The Black Cove Complex has become the highest-priority fire in the U.S., with emergency personnel enlisting firefighting experts from across the nation to help battle the blazes. (Photo by Blake Wilkey, Gastonia Fire Department)

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All three fires in the Black Cove Complex increased containment this week

POLK COUNTY—A week after the first flames of what became the Black Cove and Deep Woods fires were reported, the fires began to see containment on Wednesday.

As of Friday evening, the Black Cove Fire was 23% contained, and the Deep Woods Fire was at 32% containment. The fires have burned over 7,200 acres combined in the Green River Game Lands, with a separate fire in Lake Adger, the Fish Hook Fire, burning 199 acres. It is now 95% contained.

The Black Cove Complex has become the highest-priority fire in the U.S., with emergency personnel enlisting firefighting experts from across the nation to help battle the blazes.

“Excessive storm debris and timber damage from Hurricane Helene have created many challenges for firefighting efforts,” said Philip Jackson, a spokesperson for NCFS. “One factor is the loss of tree canopy. More ground cover is receiving direct sunlight, accelerating the rate in which fuels dry out.”

Although progress has been made on containment, wildfire activity escalated on Wednesday and Thursday, prompting several evacuation levels to be upgraded. Additionally, one firefighter was taken to the hospital after suffering an injury, and 11 homes have been destroyed since the fires ignited on March 19.

Firefighters have used a combination of bulldozer and hand lines to contain the fires, and were able to complete successful strategic firing operations overnight Thursday to protect homes. Jackson said crews will work throughout Friday to hold and strengthen lines.

“The northwestern section of the Deep Woods 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,” Jackson said in an update Friday evening. “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.”

Officials are also monitoring the weather forecast as rain chances increase early next week ahead of a cold front approaching the region. 

“While containment features can effectively slow or stop wildfire activity, there is no matching the effectiveness of a soaking rain,” Jackson said.

For the most up-to-date information on the fires, visit polknc.gov/fireupdates.