North Wake News

The Black Cove Complex fires in Polk and Henderson counties have become the highest priority fire incident in the Southern U.S., according to the National Interagency Fire Center. A total of 303 personnel from North Carolina and other states are involved in combating these fires.

A Red Flag Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for the mountains of Polk and Henderson counties, signaling potential severe fire behavior due to elevated temperatures, high winds, and low humidity. Firefighters are preparing firebreaks and protecting structures in anticipation of these conditions.

On March 25, a community meeting was held for Henderson County residents to discuss updates on the Black Cove, Deep Woods, and Fish Hook fires. Officials shared information about current fire status, management strategies, and containment efforts. Over 400 people attended the meeting, which is available online for those who missed it.

The Black Cove Fire is currently 3,046 acres with no containment. It continues to burn timber on state-owned and private land near Saluda. Intense fire behavior was reported yesterday due to high winds and dry weather. A firefighter was injured during operations but is now stable after receiving medical attention in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The cause of this fire was identified as a downed powerline.

The Deep Woods Fire spans 2,923 acres with no containment yet. It burns near Columbus on state-owned and private land within Green River Gorge and Holbert Cove community. Efforts continue to protect structures and prevent further spread southward. A spot fire detected near Big Bradley Falls received air support intervention. The cause remains under investigation.

The Fish Hook Fire covers 199 acres with a containment rate of 72%. Located near Lake Adger northwest of Mill Spring, forward progress has been halted as firefighters secure edges and extinguish smoldering fuels. The cause was also attributed to a downed powerline.

Evacuation levels are under constant review based on fire activity; residents should check county websites for updates. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is enforced up to an altitude of 5,500 feet until further notice due to firefighting aircraft operations.

A statewide ban on open burning has been effective since March 21 at 8 a.m., canceling all existing permits without issuing new ones until further notice.

For wildfire activity updates across North Carolina or subscription options for N.C. Forest Service notifications about wildfires or burn bans, residents can access relevant online resources provided by local authorities.