Wildfires Rage in Western North Carolina Amidst Hurricane Helene Debris

Three wildfires, Black Cove, Deep Woods, and Fish Hook, are burning in Polk County, North Carolina. The fires are exacerbated by rough terrain and debris from Hurricane Helene. The Black Cove Fire, ignited last Wednesday by a downed power line, has consumed 2,076 acres and remains uncontained as of Sunday afternoon. Evacuation orders are in effect for several areas surrounding the Black Cove and Deep Woods fires. The Deep Woods Fire is the largest, burning 1,802 acres and also remains 0% contained. Emergency management officials in Henderson County issued a voluntary evacuation notice to residents in the Laurel Mountain View Road and Boulder View Road areas due to the fires in neighboring Polk County. The Fish Hook Fire has burned 199 acres and is 50% contained, with at least six structures lost. A red air quality alert was issued for Polk County on Saturday, and a burn ban is in effect statewide. The Persimmon Ridge Fire in Greenville, South Carolina, has spread to around 100 acres.