Wildfires Sweep Across WNC: Evacuations, Air Quality Alerts & State Response

WNC --  Western North Carolina is grappling with an outbreak of wildfires that have scorched thousands of acres across multiple counties, triggered mass evacuations, and severely impacted air quality. Fueled by dry conditions and gusty winds, the fires have intensified in recent days, prompting swift action from state and local emergency officials.

Widespread Impact Across Counties

Polk County: Black Cove Complex

The most severe fires are concentrated in Polk County, where the Black Cove Complex—a grouping of three fires known as Black Cove, Deep Woods, and Fish Hook—has burned nearly 10 square miles. Officials report that containment remains limited, with Black Cove at just 17% and Deep Woods at 11% as of Wednesday night.

Approximately 250 homes have been evacuated, with emergency shelters established for displaced residents. Fire crews continue to battle the blazes with aerial suppression and ground containment efforts. Several structures have been destroyed, and damage assessments are ongoing.

Haywood County: Pisgah Forest at Risk

In Haywood County, the Rattlesnake Branch Fire ignited near Cruso and quickly spread into parts of the Pisgah National Forest. The fire has consumed an estimated 200 acres. While no evacuation orders are currently in effect for this area, containment remains a challenge due to the mountainous terrain and wind conditions.

Jackson County: Kitchen Branch Road Fire

A growing wildfire in Jackson County near the Kitchen Branch Road area has burned roughly 50 acres. Officials have not issued evacuation orders yet, but local authorities are urging residents to stay alert and prepare for possible action if the fire expands.

Rutherford County: Quick Containment After Initial Threat

Rutherford County experienced a smaller-scale wildfire near Rutherfordton. Though it briefly threatened residential areas and led to temporary evacuations, the fire was contained by Wednesday evening. Firefighters credit early detection and rapid response for the successful suppression of the blaze, which affected approximately five acres.

Henderson County: At Risk from Nearby Fires and Smoke

Though Henderson County is not currently facing an active wildfire within its borders, it remains at risk due to proximity to large, uncontained fires in Polk and Transylvania counties. Fire officials are on alert for potential ember-driven spot fires and have warned of high fire danger conditions across the region.

Air quality in Henderson County has deteriorated significantly, leading to a Code Red Air Quality Alert. This means the air is unhealthy for everyone, and residents—particularly those with heart or respiratory conditions—are advised to limit outdoor activity. Local schools and event organizers are adjusting plans based on real-time updates.

In addition, open burning is prohibited, and residents are urged to avoid any outdoor flames, including campfires and grills. Emergency personnel continue to monitor fire spread in nearby areas and are prepared to act quickly if conditions shift.

Air Quality Deteriorates Across the Region

Smoke from the active fires has led to unhealthy air conditions in several counties, prompting alerts from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ). Air quality indexes (AQI) have reached hazardous levels in some locations, particularly near the fire zones.

Code Purple (Very Unhealthy): Transylvania County. Residents are advised to avoid all outdoor activity.

Code Red (Unhealthy): Henderson, Swain, and Polk counties. The general population should limit outdoor exertion; sensitive groups should remain indoors.

Code Orange (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups): Rutherford County. Older adults, children, and individuals with heart or respiratory issues should reduce prolonged outdoor activity.

The NCDEQ has warned that continued smoke and ash may affect other counties depending on wind patterns over the coming days.

State of Emergency Declared

In response to the growing crisis, Governor Josh Stein has declared a state of emergency across 34 western counties. The declaration activates additional resources, including North Carolina National Guard support, to assist local firefighters and emergency managers.

“This situation is evolving rapidly, and we are using every tool available to protect our communities,” Governor Stein said during a press briefing. “I urge residents to remain vigilant and follow all guidance from local officials.”

Precautionary Measures and Public Safety

Authorities are urging residents in and around impacted areas to take the following steps:

Follow Evacuation Orders: If instructed to evacuate, do so immediately and follow designated routes.

Monitor Local Updates: Stay informed through emergency alerts, radio, and official social media channels.

Avoid Outdoor Burning: Burn bans are in effect across much of Western North Carolina to prevent new fire outbreaks.

Protect Your Health: Use N95 masks when outdoors in smoky areas and consider air purifiers indoors if air quality is poor.

Looking Ahead

Weather conditions over the next 48 hours will be critical. While some rain is forecast for the weekend, fire officials remain cautious, noting that high winds and low humidity could exacerbate the situation before relief arrives.

Firefighters from across North Carolina and neighboring states continue to arrive in the region to support containment efforts. Volunteers, Red Cross personnel, and emergency management teams are coordinating shelter, food, and medical support for affected families.

Western North Carolina has faced natural disasters before—and emerged stronger. As the community bands together, local leaders stress the importance of preparedness, cooperation, and neighborly care in facing this wildfire crisis.

For real-time updates on evacuations, shelter locations, and air quality advisories, visit ncdps.gov and your county’s emergency management website.

WNCTimes

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