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Polk County wildfires have burned thousands of acres, still uncontained
Polk County Emergency Management on Friday afternoon issued a mandatory evacuation for all residents of the Piney Gate area.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — More evacuations were issued in Polk County as crews three massive wildfires continue to burn thousands of acres in western North Carolina.
As of 12 p.m. Sunday, the Black Cove fire had burned an estimated 1,239 acres and was 0% contained. The Deep Woods Fire is approximately 1,802 acres and also 0% contained. The Fish Hook Fire is 199 acres and 50% contained, according to the North Carolina Forest Service.
Polk County officials issued an evacuation order for residents at Big Hungry Road, Spurgeon Cove Lane, English Heifer Cove Road, Deer Trail and Scarlets Mountain Road. A shelter is available at 75 Carmel Road in Columbus, North Carolina.
Polk County Emergency Management on Friday afternoon issued a mandatory evacuation for all residents of the Piney Gate area. An updated order shared later Saturday afternoon called for neighbors along Green River Cove to evacuate. The county also ordered evacuations for 5079-7265 Holberts Cove Road on North Side and Fox Paw Lane.
“Visibility in the area will be reduced and roads/evacuation routes can become blocked; if you do not leave now, you could be trapped, injured or killed,” the agency warned.
State emergency officials later said neighbors along Holbert Cove Road needed to leave around 8:40 p.m.
On Saturday, evacuation orders were lifted for the Fish Hook Fire in the Lake Adger Subdivision only.
The North Carolina Forest Service has issued a statewide ban on all open burning effective 8 a.m. Friday, March 21, due to escalating wildfire risks caused by dry conditions.
The Deepwoods Fire has spread over 1,100 acres and is 0% contained as of 7 p.m. The fire’s cause is unknown. The Deep Woods Fire is located just east of the Black Cove Fire near Piney Gate Road.
“It is spring wildfire season in North Carolina, and we are seeing wildfire activity increase due to dry conditions,” Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said in a statement Thursday. “With these ongoing conditions, a statewide burn ban is necessary to reduce the risk of wildfires starting and spreading quickly.”
The prohibition applies to all 100 counties and cancels all existing burning permits. Officials have also suspended the issuance of new permits until the ban is lifted.
Under North Carolina law, violators face a $100 fine plus $183 in court costs. Additionally, individuals responsible for setting fires may be held liable for expenses related to extinguishing them.
The ban includes an exception for fires started within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling, where local fire marshals retain authority to issue restrictions.
“Our top priority is always to protect lives, property and forestland across the state,” Troxler added. “It is imperative that folks adhere to this burn ban until further notice.”
Local fire departments and law enforcement officers will assist the N.C. Forest Service in enforcing the restrictions.
Officials say the Forest Service will continue monitoring conditions. Residents with questions about specific counties should contact their county ranger or fire marshal’s office.