News

Authorities lift evacuation orders

By Lightning reports, Published: March 28, 2025

Polk County currently has no mandatory evacuations thanks to significant progress firefighters have made to contain three major wildfires. Mandatory evacuation orders were also lifted in Henderson and Transylvania counties.

Polk County reported in a news release Sunday evening that the Black Cove Fire, 3,502 acres, was 36 percent contained; the Deep Woods fire, 3,970 acres, 32 percent; and the Fish Hook fire, 199 acres, 100 percent evacuations.

Holbert Cove and Green River roads have reopened but to residents only as firefighting operations continue. Motorists were cautioned to be aware of emergency personnel in the area and near the roadways.

"Thank you for your generous donations. However, due to logistical constraints, we are no longer able to accept in-kind donations," the Polk County news release said. "If you would still like to contribute, we encourage you to make a monetary donation to the Polk County local fire departments."

The Polk County Emergency Shelter in Columbus is now officially closed as there are no longer any mandatory evacuation orders in effect.

EARLIER COVERAGE:

Henderson County officials are closely monitoring wildfires that have consumed more than 10,000 acres in nearby Upstate South Carolina, according to a statement on Friday from the county’s emergency management office.

“The Henderson County fire marshal and Henderson County Emergency Management are working closely with the N.C. Forest Service to monitor the progression of those fires," Jimmy Brissie, Henderson County’s Director of Emergency Management, said in a statement on Friday. "We have personnel on scene coordinating for potential needs. That coordination is also happening with S.C. Division of Forestry and other incident management teams supporting efforts."
The Table Rock wildfire complex in Pickens and Greenville counties includes the Table Rock and the Persimmon Ridge fires, which have consumed more than 10,000 acres. The South Carolina Forestry Commission said Friday that the Table Rock Fire had spread to the North Carolina line in several places, WLOS reported. Transylvania County officials also confirmed at 11 a.m. on Friday that fires were burning near the state line.
“Per the North Carolina State Fire Service, the fire line is primarily limited to the state line area with a spot fire identified within North Carolina at Busted Rock, but all fire activity is currently in the state forests as of midday. Federal resources are pulling in additional resources to assist in fire line tracking,” the county's website said.