POLK COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — The Black Cove Complex in Polk County has become the highest-priority fire in the United States, according to the North Carolina Forest Service (NCFS).
A total of 476 personnel from across North Carolina and other states are now working to contain the blaze, the NCFS said.
The National Weather Service on Wednesday issued a Red Flag Warning for Polk and Henderson counties, signaling the potential for severe fire behavior and rapid spread.
Per the NCFS and the Southern Appalachian Fuel and Fire Behavior Advisory, March 2025 has seen the lowest average relative humidity in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. This, in turn, has worsened fire conditions in western North Carolina.
LIVE UPDATES (MARCH 27) | CRUSO WILDFIRE GROWS, SYLVA BRUSH FIRE CONTAINED
BLACK COVE FIRE
As of Thursday morning, the Black Cove Fire has grown to 3,288 acres and is 17% contained. The fire is located approximately two miles northeast of Saluda in the Green River Gorge.
The fire began on March 19 due to a downed powerline and continues to spread rapidly.
The Black Cove Fire’s behavior “has continued to be intense, with rapid fire spread and extreme burning conditions due to high winds and dry weather,” the NCFS said via a release Thursday.
Despite this, firefighters completed a successful strategic firing operation on the northwest portion of the fire to establish containment within Henderson County.
RATTLESNAKE BRANCH FIRE IN CRUSO GROWS TO 400-500 ACRES, 0% CONTAINMENT
DEEP WOODS FIRE
The Deep Woods Fire has now reached 3,373 acres and is 30% contained. The fire is burning approximately five miles northwest of Columbus, N.C. in the Green River Gorge and in the neighboring community of Holbert Cove.
Firefighters continue working to hold the fire north of Holbert Cove Road.
The fire was initially reported on March 19. The cause of this fire remains under investigation.
WILDFIRE CREWS GAIN GROUND ON CONTAINMENT, BUT EVACUATION LEVELS UPGRADE IN POLK COUNTY
FISH HOOK FIRE
The Fish Hook Fire has reached 199 acres and is 95% contained. It is burning approximately five miles northwest of Mill Spring, N.C. near Lake Adger.
The fire was initially reported on March 20 and is said to have been caused by a downed powerline.
Containment is expected to increase in the coming days, according to the NCFS. Crews will remain on scene until the fire is no longer a threat.
GOV. JOSH STEIN DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY AS WILDFIRES RAVAGE WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Gov. Josh Stein on Wednesday expanded the state of emergency to further the state’s response to these ongoing wildfires.
A temporary flight restriction has also been implemented. A statewide open burning ban also remains in effect.
Henderson and Polk counties are linking to an interactive map to track the fire size and evacuation orders.
A community meeting will be held on Thursday, March 27 at 6 p.m. at The Party Place and Event Center in Saluda. Fire managers and emergency officials will be onsite to provide updates and answer questions.
To check wildfire activity across the state, use the North Carolina Wildfire Public Viewer.
Subscribe to receive updates from the NCFS here.
