News

Area wildfires deemed highest priority in the U.S.

By Lightning Reports, Published: March 25, 2025

The wildfires burning in Polk and Henderson counties are now the highest priority fires in the United States, according to the N.C. Forest Service.

The Black Cove Complex – which includes the Black Cove and Deep Woods fires burning in the Green River Gorge in Polk and Henderson counties and the Fish Hook fire near Lake Adger in Polk County- has consumed more than 6,000 acres. The fires in the gorge were at 17 and 30 percent containment on Friday. The fire near Lake Adger was 95 percent contained on Friday, according to a press release from the forest service.
The Black Cove Complex’s designation as the highest priority in the country gives the incident management team for the fire priority for resources, according to the press release from the forest service.
A Red Flag Warning was issued for the area on Friday due to increased temperature, low humidity and increased winds, conditions favorable for fire progression. Rain chances increase early next week ahead of a cold front that will approach the region Sunday before crossing the area Monday, according to a press release from the forest service.
Excessive storm debris and timber damage from Hurricane Helene has created many challenges for firefighting efforts. One factor is the loss off tree canopy. More ground cover is receiving direct sunlight, accelerating the rate in which fuels dry out, according to the press release.

The city of Saluda hosted a community meeting for Saluda residents on Thursday. Fire managers and emergency officials attended to provide updates on the Black Cove, Deep Woods and Fish Hook fires. For those unable to attend the meeting, the city of Saluda recorded it and will make it available for viewing via their website. A link will be provided once it becomes available, according to the forest service press release.
A firefighter injured while battling the Black Cove wildfire was hospitalized in stable condition Wednesday after he was airlifted a day earlier from the Green River Gorge area.
A Blackhawk helicopter from the N.C. National Guard was called on Tuesday to rescue the firefighter after he suffered leg injuries when he was trapped under a tree that fell, according to a statement posted online by the N.C. Emergency Management agency.
The firefighter received medical attention at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center and was in stable condition at the hospital on Wednesday, according to a press release from the N.C. Forest Service.
The state’s emergency management agency activated the NC Helo-Aquatic Rescue Team (NCHART) and staged the Blackhawk with rescue technicians for quick response to the wildfires in Polk and Henderson Counties over the weekend.
An urgent call for assistance with the injured firefighter came for the team, call sign Kill Devil 60, on Tuesday afternoon, according to the emergency management statement.
The rescue team successfully airlifted the injured firefighter from the accident and transferred him to Polk County EMS.
The Kill Devil 60 team returned to its staging location and remains ready to respond to any firefighter who needs help.
By Thursday evening, there were 500 personnel from North Carolina and other states across the nation fighting the Black Cove Complex fire.
WLOS reported on Wednesday that a total of 165 homes have been evacuated from the Black Cove Complex fire and Polk County officials confirm 11 homes have been destroyed.
N.C. Forest Service aerial resources have been shared throughout Western North Carolina as wildfires continue to increase across the state, according to a statement from the forest service. The N.C. Forest Service utilizes four helicopters and two single engine air tankers (SEATs) throughout North Carolina.
The U.S. Forest Service has also utilized two Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopters. The helicopters are primarily used for wildland firefighting, carrying larger amounts of water and can be utilized for more rugged terrain. Chinook helicopters carry 2,300 to 2,500 gallons depending on elevation and fuel load. A K-MAX helicopter, also being utilized on North Carolina wildfires, can carry 420 gallons. N.C. Forest Service helicopters have been carrying 200 to 300 gallons, according to the statement from the N.C. Forest Service.
Henderson County has declared a State of Emergency for the county due to the wildfires.
The State of Emergency will continue until emergency service officials advise otherwise. The County-wide burning ban remains in effect.
Wildfires in various sections of the county have the potential to threaten life and property. Emergency personnel are prepared to take action to evacuate county residents if necessary and support all efforts toward fire suppression. The State of Emergency ensures that Henderson County has the necessary resources in place to respond to the potential impacts from the wildfires that originated from Polk County.
Henderson County and the N.C. Forest Service issued an evacuation order on Tuesday night for the Summer Haven community on Macedonia Road east of I-26, Skyland Acres Road, Knight Road, Summer Haven Lane and South Fine Way. The county has opened an emergency shelter at the Athletics and Activities Center, 708 South Grove St.
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, according to the press release from the forest service.
Local emergency management officials have created an interactive map for county residents as these fires have spread into Henderson County. Residents can search the map to find their specific address.
• Zone 1-Green (Get Ready)
• Zone 2-Yellow (Get Set)
• Zone 3-Red (Go)
As fire risks increase, it is important to protect yourself and your family by planning, preparing and staying aware, the county said in a news release.
A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place at an altitude from the surface up to and including 5,500 feet 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, according to the forest service.
A ban on all open burning was issued statewide last week. All burning permits are canceled. No new permits are being issued. The ban remains in effect until further notice, the forest service said.
Fire managers and emergency officials held a community meeting for Henderson County residents Tuesday to provide information and updates on the Black Cove, Deep Woods and Fish Hook fires. Officials discussed the current state of the fires, management strategies and containment. Local residents were able to bring questions and concerns to management team members. More than 400 people attended the meeting, according to the press release from the forest service. For those who were unable to attend, a recording of the meeting is available at https://vimeo.com/event/4347848.
Details on each of the Black Cove Complex fires from the N.C. Forest Service include:
• Black Cove Fire: (35° 17′ 7.53″ N , 82° 17′ 49.96″ W)
On Friday, the Black Cove Fire was 3,288 acres in size and 17 percent contained. The fire is burning in timber on state-owned and private land, approximately two miles northeast of Saluda, in the Green River Gorge.
Fire behavior has continued to be intense, with rapid fire spread and extreme burning conditions due to shifting winds and dry weather throughout the day. The southwest portion of Black Cove remains a priority to secure the fire perimeter and protect homes within the fire area around Skyland Acres. Strategic firing operations continued throughout the night Thursday to remove unburned fuels between containment lines and around the Skyland Acres area. Due to the high relative humidity recovery Thursday night, firing operations had minimal fire activity which led to a safe and slow burn which concluded at 3 a.m.
The Black Cove Fire was first reported on March 19. The cause of this fire was determined to be a downed powerline.

• Deep Woods Fire: (35° 17′ 34.77″ N , 82° 15′ 34.00″ W)
On Friday, the Deep Woods Fire was 3,373 acres in size and 30 percent contained. The fire is burning approximately five miles northwest of Columbus in timber on state-owned and private land in the Green River Gorge and in the neighboring Holbert Cove community.
A combination of bulldozer and hand lines were utilized on the southeastern portion of the fire close to the Green River. By utilizing the containment lines, firefighters were able to complete successful strategic firing operations to protect homes in the area. The purpose of the firing operation is to bring strategic and slow-moving fire within the unburned fuels with the lower temperatures and elevated humidity levels overnight. A combination of wildland firefighters and structural firefighters were present throughout Thursday night to ensure firing operations were safe and successful. Firefighters throughout the day shift on Friday will hold and strengthen this line.
The Deep Woods Fire was first reported on March 19. The cause of this fire remains under investigation.

• Fish Hook Fire: (35° 20′ 52.42″ N , 82° 14′ 5.01″ W)
On Friday, the Fish Hook Fire was 199 acres in size and 95 percent contained. The fire is burning approximately five miles northwest of Mill Spring on private land near Lake Adger.
Firefighting personnel have stopped forward progress of the fire. Firefighters continue securing firebreaks along the fire’s edges and extinguishing smoldering fuels. Containment is expected to continue 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 on March 20. The cause of this fire was determined to be a downed powerline.