Authorities issued evacuation orders on Sunday for parts of Polk County, North Carolina, as three significant wildfires scorched over 3,000 acres combined. Two of the fires remained uncontained.
The Black Cove Fire, Deep Woods Fire, and Fish Hook Fire were all burning roughly 30 miles southeast of Asheville, as reported by the North Carolina Forest Service.
The fires, which started last week, spread rapidly over the weekend due to dry vegetation and low humidity. Officials noted that Hurricane Helene, which passed through the area in September, left many fallen trees that have contributed to fueling the fires.
By Sunday night, the Black Cove Fire had consumed 2,076 acres with no containment, according to Kelly Cannon, a spokesperson for Polk County government. Similarly, the Deep Woods Fire remained uncontained after burning 2,545 acres.
The North Carolina Department of Public Safety issued evacuation orders on Saturday night for those living near the Black Cove Fire, and the orders remained in effect on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Fish Hook Fire had burned 199 acres and was 50% contained by Sunday. Evacuation orders for this fire were lifted, allowing residents to return home.
Authorities are still investigating the causes of the fires.
Given the multiple wildfires in the region, the North Carolina Division of Air Quality issued a “Code Red” alert for Polk County, indicating unhealthy air conditions, while neighboring Rutherford County received a “Code Orange” alert, signaling potential health risks for individuals sensitive to smoke.
South Carolina Wildfires
The wildfires also spread into South Carolina, prompting Governor Henry McMaster to declare a state of emergency on Saturday.
A wildfire erupted on Friday night at Table Rock State Park, located along the South Carolina-North Carolina border in Pickens County. The blaze quickly expanded to 35 acres. By Sunday, it had grown to 110 acres, according to Pickens County Emergency Management. However, officials did not immediately provide containment details.
Governor McMaster’s emergency declaration aims to enhance firefighting resources. His order also enforces a statewide ban on outdoor burning until further notice.
“Due to the heightened wildfire risk across the state, this burning ban will remain in effect. Violators will face legal consequences,” McMaster stated.
This marks the second wildfire-related state of emergency in South Carolina this month. During the weekend of March 2-3, wildfires erupted in the Carolina Forest near Myrtle Beach in Horry County, spreading across 1,600 acres. The fires endangered communities in Walkers Woods and Avalon before firefighters successfully contained them, according to the South Carolina Forest Commission.
