POLK COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — Despite crews gaining ground on containment of the Black Cove Complex fire, Polk County officials said wildfire activity escalated Wednesday, prompting several evacuation levels to be upgraded.
In a Wednesday evening update, Polk County Emergency Management said the Black Cove Fire had grown to 3,052 acres and was 17% contained, while the Deep Woods Fire had grown to 3,231 acres and was 11% contained.
LIVE UPDATES: BLACK COVE COMPLEX FIRE, OTHER FIRES AND EVACUATIONS
It’s the first time in over a week that containment has been achieved on the two large fires. The Fish Hook Fire, the third and smallest of the three fires, is 86% contained.
EVACUATION LEVELS
County officials said the area between 2456-6159 Holbert Cove Road — including Coyote Ridge, Cozy Cove Lane, Echo Lane, Glen Echo Circle, Sam’s Gap Lane, Scout Camp Road, and Who Drive — has been elevated to a Level 3 – GO (Red). Residents in those areas were asked to evacuate immediately using designated routes.
The Rixhaven and Miller Mountain communities were elevated to Level 2 – SET (Yellow). Residents are asked to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice, ensuring essential items, medications, and important documents are packed. Plans to evacuate pets and livestock should also be in place.
Downtown Saluda is now under a Level 1 – READY (Green) evacuation level. This means while no immediate evacuation is required, residents should stay prepared, develop an evacuation plan, and monitor official updates.
An emergency shelter is open at the Polk County Senior Center/Meeting Place, located at 75 Carmel Lane in Columbus.
COMMUNITY MEETING
A community meeting about the wildfires will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 27, at The Party Place & Event Space, located at 221 Friendship Church Road in Saluda.
Polk County EM said over 300 firefighters were working to contain the wildfires on Wednesday, focusing on fire behavior, weather patterns, and strategic control measures.
OVER 300 FIRST RESPONDERS BATTLE BLACK COVE FIRES AS SALUDA DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY
“A heavy emphasis is being placed on the I-26 boundary lines to prevent the spread of fire into additional areas,” the evening press release said.
Polk County and the city of Saluda are both operating under a state of emergency in response to the wildfires. County officials said the declaration allows them to access additional resources, coordinate emergency response efforts, and implement protective measures. It also allows authorities to issue evacuation orders, restrict access to hazardous areas, and request state or federal assistance if conditions worsen.
Polk County is under a North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NC DEQ) Unhealthy Air Quality Alert. Under these conditions, smoke and particulate matter pose significant health risks, especially for children, seniors, and people with respiratory conditions.
A local and statewide burn ban remains in effect. A Red Flag Warning is in effect through the evening.
INTERACTIVE EVACUATION MAP RELEASED FOR BLACK COVE COMPLEX FIRE
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