Evening Fire Update Black Cove Complex Polk & Henderson Counties

Henderson & Polk Counties --  Evening Fire Information Update Black Cove Complex March 29, 2025: Fish Hook Fire fully contained while containment increases on the Black Cove Fire. Polk County:  Currently, there are 493 personnel assigned to the Black Cove Complex as additional resources continue to arrive. Firefighting crews from across North Carolina and 14 other states are on the ground contributing to efforts.

Fire behavior has decreased with the arrival of humid and calm weather conditions. Suppression and repair efforts are ongoing across each fire as containment lines are strengthened and patrolled. This includes the repairing of bulldozer lines and installation of water bars on roads created in firefighting efforts.

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Black Cove Fire: Currently, the Black Cove Fire is 3,500 acres in size and 35% contained. The fire is burning in timber on state-owned and private land, approximately 2 miles northeast of Saluda, in the Green River Gorge.

Crews conducted strategic firing operations this afternoon along the Camp Creek area of the fire. Weather conditions have been favorable, allowing for a safe and effective firing operation.

The Black Cove Fire was first reported Wednesday, March 19. The cause of this fire was determined to be a downed powerline.

Deep Woods Fire: Currently, the Deep Woods Fire is 3,970 acres in size and 32% contained. The fire is burning approximately 5 miles northwest of Columbus in timber on state-owned and private land in the Green River Gorge and in the neighboring Holbert Cove community.

Following last night’s successful firing operation, crews were able to secure containment lines in the Holbert Cove and Cove Mountain areas. This progress, along with favorable weather conditions in the coming days, could lead to further containment of the fire. Crews continue to patrol and mop-up areas within containment lines.

The Deep Woods Fire was first reported on Wednesday, March 19. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Fish Hook Fire: The Fish Hook Fire is now 100% contained, having burned 199 acres approximately 5 miles northwest of Mill Spring on private land near Lake Adger.

The Fish Hook fire was first reported Thursday, March 20. The cause of this fire was determined to be a downed powerline.

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Evacuations: Evacuation levels are constantly being assessed based on fire activity. For updated or current evacuation notices for Polk County, please refer to Polk County’s website. For updated or current evacuation notices for Henderson County, please refer to Henderson County’s website.

Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR): A TFR is in place at an altitude from the surface up to and including 5,500 feet, daily (24 hours) until further notice. Firefighting aircraft that respond to wildfires fly low in support of ground personnel. Drones can pose a serious threat to pilot and public safety. A drone that disrupts air operations also puts firefighters, residents and property at risk of loss to wildfire.

State of Emergency: On Tuesday, March 26, Governor Josh Stein declared a State of Emergency to expand the state’s capacity to respond to the wildfires burning in Western North Carolina.

Statewide Ban on Open Burning: Effective 8 a.m. Friday, March 21, a ban on all open burning was issued statewide. All burning permits are canceled. No new permits are being issued. The ban remains in effect until further notice. Read news release.

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To check wildfire activity across the state, use the North Carolina Wildfire Public Viewer at https://ncfspublic.firesponse.com/.

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