Currently, there are 458 personnel supporting this incident. Firefighting crews from across North Carolina and 14 other states are on the ground contributing to efforts.
Higher humidity and calmer winds have reduced fire behavior overnight and allow firefighters to continue strengthening containment lines. Many areas across the fire were quiet last night, and smoke was minimal.
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Black Cove Fire: Currently, the Black Cove Fire is 3,410 acres in size and 23% contained. The fire is burning in timber on state-owned and private land, approximately 2 miles northeast of Saluda, in the Green River Gorge.
Fire behavior has calmed down due to increasing humidity and cloud cover. Crews patrolled and monitored fire lines throughout the night. Suppression repair has begun in the northeast area of the fire to rehabilitate areas impacted by firefighting efforts.
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 3,797 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.
The strategic firing operation conducted during the evening operational period was completed safely and successfully around Holbert Cove Road. Weather conditions allowed for the “burnout” to be conducted, and these efforts can go a long way toward suppressing fire behavior. Suppression repair is underway on this fire as well.
The Deep Woods Fire was first reported on Wednesday, March 19. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Fish Hook Fire: Currently, the Fish Hook Fire is 199 acres in size and 95% contained. The fire is burning approximately 5 miles northwest of Mill Spring on private land near Lake Adger.
Firefighting personnel have stopped forward progress of the fire and continue securing firebreaks along the fire’s edges and extinguishing smoldering fuels. Containment is expected to increase in the coming days, and firefighters will remain on scene until the fire no longer poses a threat.
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/.
Subscribe to receive updates from the N.C. Forest Service about wildfires, burn bans and other topics at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/NCFS/subscriber/new.
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