Full Notification

Evening Update on the Black Cove Complex

Fires in Polk County

POLK COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA – Firefighters continue to work to contain

three wildfires in Polk County, North Carolina.

This group of fires consists of the Black Cove, Deep Woods, and Fish Hook Fires.

Currently there are 263 personnel from North Carolina and other states are present to manage the

incident. Firefighters have come from South Carolina, Michigan, Montana, Wyoming,

Tennessee, Oregon, South Dakota, and California to help contain this fire.

Fire movement remained active on these fires today, with increases in acreage on the

Black Cove and Deep Woods Fires. The Black Cove Fire is moving into Henderson County

along Big Hungry Creek Road where firefighters are attempting to slow the spread of the fire and

protect structures. The Black Cove Fire saw movement to the southeast towards Cove Creek,

where firefighters are trying to contain it to the north of Holbert Cove Road. Dry conditions are

expected into the evening and overnight, with more dry and windy conditions later this week.

Polk County has issued 165 evacuation orders at this time and Henderson County has

issued 29 evacuation orders.

- Black Cove Fire-(35° 17′ 7.53″ N , 82° 17′ 49.96″ W) The Black Cove Fire was first

reported on March 19th and was last mapped at 2,813 acres. This fire is burning on

state-owned and private land in the Green River Gorge approximately two miles

northeast of Saluda. The fire is burning in timber on steep terrain and is currently 0%

contained. Firefighters are working to build control lines on both sides of the river to

prevent fire spread into neighborhoods and inhabited areas to the west of the fire.

Evacuation orders for Polk County have been issued for residents at:

o Green River Cove Road addresses from 1091-1528

o Lady Slipper Trail

o Big Hungry Road

o Spurgeon Cove Lane

o English Heifer Cove Road

o Deer Trail

o Scarlets Mountain Road

Yesterday the Black Cove Fire made a push to the northwest, crossing into Henderson

County in the upper reaches of the Big Hungry River. Henderson County has issued

a voluntary evacuation for residents at:o Laurel Mountain View Road

o Boulder View Road.

- Deep Woods Fire- (35° 17′ 34.77″ N , 82° 15′ 34.00″ W) The Deep Woods Fire was

first reported on March 19th and was last mapped at 2,742 acres. This fire is burning

on state-owned and private land in the Green River Gorge and in the neighboring

Holbert Cove Community approximately 5 miles northwest of Columbus. The fire is

burning in timber on steep terrain and is currently 0% contained. Firefighters are

working on protecting structures on the southern end of the fire and preventing it

from spreading south of Holbert Cove Road. Evacuation orders have been issued for

residents at:

o 5079-7265 Holberts Cove Road

o Fox Paw Lane

- Fish Hook-(35° 20′ 52.42″ N , 82° 14′ 5.01″ W) The Fish Hook Fire was first

reported on March 20th and is currently mapped at 199 acres. This fire is burning on

private land near Lake Adger approximately 5 miles northwest of Mill Spring, North

Carolina. The Fish Hook Fire currently stands at 69% containment and forward

progress of the fire has been stopped. Firefighters have been securing firebreaks

along the edges of the fire and extinguishing smoldering fuels. Containment is

expected to increase in the coming days and firefighters will remain on scene until the

fire poses no further threat. All evacuations related to the Fish Hook Fire have been

lifted.