Firefighters in Polk County are working to contain three wildfires being managed as a complex by the N.C. Forest Service Red Team. The team took command of the situation on March 22, coordinating efforts across North Carolina and other states with 249 personnel involved.
The fires, known as the Black Cove, Deep Woods, and Fish Hook fires, have affected various areas. The Black Cove Fire, first reported on March 19, spans 2,076 acres in the Green River Gorge near Saluda and is currently uncontained. Evacuation orders are in place for several roads including Green River Cove Road and Lady Slipper Trail.
The Deep Woods Fire also began on March 19 and covers 2,545 acres in the Green River Gorge and Holbert Cove community. It remains uncontained with evacuations ordered for Holbert Cove Road and Fox Paw Lane.
The Fish Hook Fire was reported on March 20 near Lake Adger. It is mapped at 199 acres and is now 50% contained with no current threat of spreading further. All related evacuations have been lifted.
Updates on wildfire activity can be accessed through the North Carolina Wildfire Public Viewer online. Residents can subscribe to receive information from the N.C. Forest Service about wildfires and related topics.
