North Raleigh Today

The Black Cove Complex fires in Polk and Henderson counties currently stand as the highest priority fire in the United States. This designation provides priority for resources to the incident management team (IMT). Presently, 476 personnel from North Carolina and other states are involved in responding to the situation.

Weather conditions are contributing to rapid fire progression, with low humidity and high winds playing a significant role. The Southern Appalachian Fuel and Fire Behavior Advisory notes that the average relative humidity in March 2025 is the lowest recorded in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Residual smoke from the Table Rock Fire in South Carolina lingers in the area but is expected to diminish by the afternoon.

A community meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 27, at 6 p.m. by the Town of Saluda. This meeting will be held at The Party Place & Event Center, located at 221 Friendship Church Rd, Saluda, NC 28773. Fire managers and emergency officials will provide updates on the Black Cove, Deep Woods, and Fish Hook fires. Attendees are invited to ask questions and discuss plans with emergency officials.

The Black Cove Fire, currently 3,052 acres and 17% contained, is burning approximately 2 miles northeast of Saluda in timber on state-owned and private land. Intense fire behavior and rapid spread have been observed due to high winds and dry weather. A strategic firing operation aimed at creating a barrier to stop the fire's spread was completed on the northwest section of the fire. This fire was first reported on March 19 and was caused by a downed powerline.

The Deep Woods Fire has grown to 3,231 acres and is 11% contained. Located approximately 5 miles northwest of Columbus, the fire is burning in timber on state-owned and private land in both the Green River Gorge and the neighboring Holbert Cove community. The cause of this fire is still under investigation following its initial report on March 19.

Meanwhile, the Fish Hook Fire covers 199 acres and is 86% contained. Located roughly 5 miles northwest of Mill Spring on private land near Lake Adger, forward progress of this fire has been halted. Firefighting efforts continue to secure firebreaks and extinguish smoldering fuels. The fire, first reported on March 20, was caused by a downed powerline.

Evacuation levels are continually being assessed in relation to fire activity. Polk and Henderson County residents can refer to their respective county websites for updated evacuation notices. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is also in place at an altitude from the surface up to 5,500 feet. This measure helps protect the safety of firefighting aircraft and personnel, as drones can pose a threat to operations.

In response to the ongoing wildfires, Governor Josh Stein declared a State of Emergency on Tuesday, March 26, to enhance the state's capacity to manage the fires. Alongside this, a statewide ban on open burning was issued effective from 8 a.m., Friday, March 21, with no new burning permits being issued until further notice.

The public can track wildfire activity using the North Carolina Wildfire Public Viewer and subscribe to updates from the N.C. Forest Service about wildfires and burn bans.