POLK COUNTY, N.C. – Three wildfires in western North Carolina are proving challenging for firefighters to beat because of rough terrain and debris left behind by Hurricane Helene.
The Black Cove, Deep Woods and Fish Hook fires continue burning in Polk County, an area devastated by Helene almost six months ago.
The Black Cove Fire, which began last Wednesday, has burned 2,076 acres and had no containment as of Sunday afternoon. Fire officials said it was started by a downed power line.
Meanwhile, the Deep Woods Fire is the largest at 1,802 acres and also remains 0% contained.
Officials said evacuation orders are in place for several areas surrounding the Black Cove and Deep Woods fires.
The communities under evacuation orders in Polk County are near the Henderson County line.
Emergency management officials in Henderson County issued a voluntary evacuation notice on Sunday to residents in the Laurel Mountain View Road and Boulder View Road areas because of the fires in neighboring Polk County.
The Fish Hook Fire has burned 199 acres and is 50% contained. Officials said at least six structures have been lost in the fire.
On Saturday, Polk County received a “red” air quality alert, and the North Carolina Forest Service advised residents not to go outside for a prolonged period. A burn ban is in effect throughout the state of North Carolina.
An air crew from the National Guard joined efforts to douse the Persimmon Ridge Fire in Greenville, South Carolina, according to the South Carolina National Guard. The fire, which erupted on Sunday morning, had spread to around 100 acres.
The cause of the fire has not been reported.
