Wildfires Spread in Polk County, Prompting Evacuations and Emergency Responses

POLK COUNTY, N.C. – Wildfires continue to ravage Polk County, North Carolina, with three significant fires—the Black Cove, Deep Woods, and Fish Hook fires—burning a combined total of over 4,800 acres as of Monday. The fires were exacerbated by challenging terrain and debris left by Hurricane Helene.

The Black Cove Fire ignited last Wednesday due to a downed power line, consuming 2,076 acres with no containment reported. The Deep Woods Fire has become the largest at 2,545 acres and also remains at 0% containment. The Fish Hook Fire, meanwhile, has burned 199 acres and is 50% contained.

Evacuation orders have been issued for multiple communities near the Henderson County line, affecting residents in the Laurel Mountain View Road and Boulder View Road areas. “These fires are in very remote areas, with rugged terrain,” said E.J. Dwigans, a Public Information Officer for the North Carolina Forest Service.

As firefighters struggle to combat the flames, officials noted that at least six structures have been lost across the fires. Thanks to a little rainfall on Monday, the North Carolina Forest Service remains hopeful but warns that the fires stay active.

Aircraft and bulldozers are deployed for ground and aerial support to extinguish the flames. “We’re doing everything we can with our available resources,” Dwigans said.

On Saturday, Polk County received a “red” alert, with the North Carolina Forest Service advising residents to avoid prolonged outdoor activity due to unhealthy air quality. A statewide burn ban is in effect in North Carolina, leading to heightened risks of fire ignition.

Efforts extend beyond Polk County, as the South Carolina National Guard has mobilized air crews to combat the Persimmon Ridge Fire in Greenville County. This fire erupted Sunday and has grown to approximately 100 acres, though its cause remains unknown.

In light of this crisis, Governor Josh Stein announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant to help combat the fires in North Carolina. Residents are advised to stay informed through emergency alerts as conditions remain volatile. Additionally, South Carolina’s Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency for his state, where the Table Rock Fire has burned over 1,300 acres.

As of Monday, both North and South Carolina continue to grapple with high fire risks, underscoring the ongoing threat posed by wildfires in the region.