Evacuations Ordered as Wildfires Rage in Polk County

POLK COUNTY, N.C. — Residents in Polk County are facing mandatory evacuations as wildfires rapidly spread across the area, fueled by dry conditions and strong winds. The latest fire ignited on the evening of March 20 and has prompted officials to take action.

The Deep Woods fire has now engulfed over 330 acres and threatens nearby communities. Evacuations are also underway for residents near the Fish Hook Fire, which has surpassed 90 acres. In addition, the Black Cove Fire has become a significant concern, currently burning nearly 600 acres, and all three fires remain at zero percent containment, according to the North Carolina Forest Service.

Polk County Public Information Officer Kellie Cannon confirmed that the Deep Woods fire has resulted in the complete destruction of one structure and left another damaged. The Fish Hook fire has led to the destruction of six total structures, further adding to the local crisis.

Firefighters from across North Carolina and as far away as South Carolina are engaged in battling these blazes, working in shifts of up to 12 hours. The crews are facing difficult challenges due to the steep terrain and debris from previous storms, complicating their firefighting efforts.

“You’ve got falling limbs, and those that are there, they may hit something unintended, and it could roll down the line,” said N.C. Forest Service Public Information Officer Jeremy Walthrop. “We have to constantly communicate and look out for one another out there.”

Walthrop also noted that the airspace over the wildfires has been closed to private aircraft, including drones, to prevent further complications for firefighting efforts. Officials have determined that a downed power line ignited the Black Cove fire, but investigations are ongoing to determine the causes of both the Deep Woods and Fish Hook fires.

With the combination of dry weather, steep terrain, and high wind gusts predicted to reach between 45-50 mph, the situation remains precarious for both residents and emergency responders. Further updates on the fires and evacuation orders can be found on local news outlets.