Mandatory Evacuations Ordered in NC Counties Hit by Raging Wildfires
The Charlotte Observer
(TNS)
Wildfires are now covering nearly 5,000 acres in North Carolina’s Polk County, prompting additional mandatory evacuations and a declaration the air has become unhealthy to breathe, the N.C. Forest Service reports.
The Black Cove Fire, Deep Woods Fire and Fish Hook Fire are collectively covering about 4,820 acres and have destroyed six homes and buildings, and damaged five other structures, Polk County officials said in a news release. Polk County is about an 85-mile drive west from Charlotte.
Mandatory evacuation orders were in place for people living along nearly 20 roads in the county as of March 23, officials said.
Only the Fish Hook Fire, which burned 199 acres, has been contained (50% containment), Polk County officials say. It was started by a downed power line, officials say.
“Due to multiple wildfires in the area, the North Carolina Division of Air Quality has issued a ‘Code Red’ (Unhealthy) alert for Polk County and a ‘Code Orange’ (Unhealthy for sensitive groups) for Rutherford County,” the N.C. Forest Service said in a Facebook post.
“Code Red means prolonged exposure to the air may be unhealthy for anyone. All residents should consider limiting prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors. Anyone sensitive to air pollution, including children, older adults and people with asthma, should avoid outdoor exertion.”
The 2,545-acre Deep Woods Fire and 2,076-acre Black Cove Fire are “burning in timber on steep terrain,” the forest service says.
The three fires, collectively referred to as the “Black Cove Complex,” are burning on both state-owned and private land, officials say.
“Firefighting has been hampered by the steep terrain of the Green River Gorge where both the Black Cove and Deep Woods fires started,” the forest service said in a release.
“Another challenge has been the dry, warm and windy conditions that have prevailed across the mountains.”
Streets under mandatory evacuation orders for the fires:
- Green River Cove Road addresses from 1091 to 1528
- Lady Slipper Trail
- Big Hungry Road
- Spurgeon Cove Lane
- English Heifer Cove Road
- Deer Trail
- Scarlets Mountain Road
- 5079 - 7265 Holbert Cove Rd (north side)
- Fox Paw Lane
- Deep Woods Lane
- Wesley Lane
- Piney Overlook Lane
- Piney Gate Road
- Gamelands Trail
- Oakview Lane
- Volley Way
- Charity Branch Drive
- Windsong Lane
- Moonshine Trace
©2025 The Charlotte Observer. Visit charlotteobserver.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
