Polk County Wildfires Update

Polk County --  As wildfires continue to burn across Polk County, North Carolina, emergency officials are urging residents to remain alert

 and follow all evacuation and safety orders. With thousands of acres

scorched and containment still elusive, national wildfire response teams have joined local and state firefighters in battling the blazes.

Community Meeting Set for March 23

The N.C. Forest Service will hold a community meeting on Sunday, March 23, at 2 p.m., at the Womack Building (40 Courthouse St., Columbus). The meeting will provide updates on all three fires — Black Cove, Deep Woods, and Fish Hook — and offer an opportunity for residents to ask questions.

Fire Status Updates

Black Cove Fire
Location: Originated off Green River Cove Road

Size: 1,239 acres

Containment: 0%

Mandatory Evacuations:

Green River Cove Road (1091–1528)

Lady Slipper Trail

Holbert Cove Road (5079–7265)

Fox Paw Lane

Deep Woods Fire
Location: Near Deep Woods Lane

Size: 1,713 acres

Containment: 0%

Mandatory Evacuations:

Deep Woods Lane

Wesley Lane

Piney Overlook Lane

Piney Gate Road

Gamelands Trail

Oakview Lane

Volley Way

Charity Branch Drive

Windsong Lane

Moonshine Trace

Fish Hook Fire
Location: Off Lake Adger Road

Size: 199 acres

Containment: 50%

Evacuation Status: The evacuation order for the Lake Adger community has been lifted. Residents are allowed to return home, but are advised to remain alert and avoid unnecessary travel on firefighting routes.

Statewide Burn Ban in Effect

The North Carolina Forest Service has issued a statewide burn ban, effective since March 21, 2025. This ban prohibits all open burning, including campfires, fire pits, and debris burning. The ban will remain in place until conditions improve.

Violators may face fines and penalties. Officials urge everyone to comply, as even small sparks can contribute to rapidly spreading wildfires under current conditions.

Emergency updates from Bobby Arledge, Polk County Fire Marshal

National Firefighter Support

Firefighting resources from across the United States have arrived to support North Carolina’s efforts. Crews from Montana, Oregon, Colorado, and Texas are assisting local firefighters with hotshot teams, helicopter water drops, bulldozer operations, and back-burning techniques.

PIO Kellie Cannon expressed gratitude during a Saturday briefing, stating:

"We are incredibly thankful for the help arriving from around the country. Their expertise is critical as we navigate extremely difficult terrain and shifting weather conditions."

Emergency Response Resources

Shelter for displaced residents is available at 75 Carmel Lane, Columbus.

Animal evacuation assistance is provided by Polk County Animal Control. Call 828-817-7984 for pet or livestock support.

Donation sites:

Foothill Community Church (2720 Landrum Road, Columbus)

Friendship Baptist Church (279 Friendship Church Road, Saluda)
Residents are asked to leave items at the designated side door.

Air Quality and Burn Ban

A Code Red Air Quality Alert remains in effect through Sunday for Polk and Rutherford Counties. The alert warns that conditions are unhealthy for sensitive groups and potentially hazardous for all residents during peak smoke hours.
The statewide burn ban remains active, prohibiting all outdoor burning until further notice.

Local and State Response

Polk County Emergency Management Director and Fire Marshal Bobby Arledge has been coordinating with the N.C. Forest Service, local volunteer fire departments, and law enforcement.

"We’re asking everyone to stay out of these areas, respect barricades, and allow our crews to work safely," Arledge said.

Key Contacts for Residents
Polk County Emergency Management Office: 828-894-6342

Polk County Animal Control: 828-817-7984

N.C. Forest Service Contact: Jeremy Waldrop, jeremy.waldrop@ncagr.gov, 828-337-7187

Upcoming Community Meeting
📍 When: Sunday, March 23, 2 p.m.
📍 Where: Womack Building, 40 Courthouse St., Columbus
📍 Hosted by: N.C. Forest Service with participation from local emergency agencies.

Sources:

Polk County Emergency Management Office

N.C. Forest Service

Public Information Officer Kellie Cannon

Emergency updates from Bobby Arledge, Polk County Fire Marshal

North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality

AP News

WNCTimes

Image WNCTimes: Illustration generated with AI for visual reference.