A wildfire has started near the Alarka Highlands in Swain County. Currently, the fire is 911 acres in size and 0% contained.Swain County Emergency Management has evacuation notices in place. Evacuation orders for Swain County residents include:Long Creek LaneUnahala Creek LaneAlarka Highlands DriveThe Southern Area Incident Management Gray Team is mobilizing and will take over the incident Friday, March 28 at 8 a.m.-30-
Press Releases
According to the National Interagency Fire Center, the Black Cove Complex is the highest priority fire in the Southern U.S. Currently, there are 303 personnel from North Carolina and other states across the nation supporting this incident.
The Black Cove Complex is the highest priority fire in the U.S, which gives the incident management team (IMT) priority for resources. Currently, there are 476 personnel from North Carolina and other states across the nation supporting this incident.Today, the National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for the mountains of Polk and Henderson counties, indicating the potential for severe fire behavior and the possibility of rapid fire spread.
WHO/WHAT: Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler will be available to talk to members of the news media about the ongoing efforts to battle wildfires in Polk County and Western N.C. and the statewide burn ban in place due to dry and windy conditions. WHEN/WHERE: Wednesday, March 26, 11:30 a.m.Tryon International Equestrian Center25 International Blvd.Mill Spring, NC 28756 BACKGROUND:
Firefighters continue efforts to contain three wildfires in Polk County. The fires are being managed as a complex by the N.C. Forest Service Red Team, which assumed command of the incident Saturday, March 22.This group of fires consists of the Black Cove, Deep Woods and Fish Hook fires. Currently, there are 249 personnel from across North Carolina and other states assigned to and supporting this incident.
The N.C. Forest Service is reminding the public that a statewide ban on open burning remains in effect until further notice as most of the state is currently experiencing critical fire weather. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures are contributing to extreme fire behavior.
“I want to thank the members of the legislature for approving the start of an ag disaster assistance program to help farmers statewide recover from the disastrous 2024 farm season in North Carolina. And, I thank the governor for quickly signing this important bill.
Due to increased fire risk, the N.C. Forest Service has issued a ban on all open burning and has canceled all burning permits statewide effective 8 a.m. Friday, March 21, until further notice.
RALEIGH – North Carolina will observe Arbor Day Friday, March 21, to commemorate the annual tree-planting holiday.
A popular trail at DuPont State Recreational Forest (DSRF) is undergoing improvements, resulting in a temporary trail closure. Improvements to the two and a half mile trail will accommodate the high level of recreational use while increasing trail sustainability, reducing erosion and protecting the water quality of nearby streams and creeks.