Widespread rain has helped to mitigate the severity of the Black Cove Complex fires situated in Polk and Henderson counties as of Sunday night, according to a recent update. The Black Cove Complex now covers a total of 7,672 acres with varying levels of containment in three parts: Black Cove at 36%, Deep Woods at 32%, and Fish Hook reaching full containment. The origins of these fires have been traced to powerlines for both Black Cove and Fish Hook, while the cause of the Deep Woods fire remains under investigation.
Currently, firefighting efforts include a total of 375 personnel and 45 engines actively working to manage the fire situation. As rain has created slick conditions along the fire lines, crews will remain vigilant in monitoring potential hazards such as thunderstorms, which are expected to occur in the coming days. Efforts are being made to patrol and mop up lingering hot spots, in addition to repairing damaged areas to protect the environment and natural resources.
Evacuation levels continue to be reassessed according to the fire’s behavior, and updates for residents can be found on the Polk and Henderson County websites. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place, prohibiting drone activity that could interfere with aerial firefighting operations and risk personnel safety.
In response to the ongoing wildfire incidents, Governor Josh Stein declared a State of Emergency on March 26 to bolster the state’s firefighting capabilities. A prohibition on all open burning was enforced on March 21 to prevent further escalation of fire risks. Further updates and wildfire activity can be tracked through the North Carolina Wildfire Public Viewer online. Residents can receive ongoing notifications from the N.C. Forest Service regarding fire-related alerts.
