SIT REP | MARCH 23, 2025, SUNDAY, 1345 PT

Three different wildfires are burning in this Complex, called the Black Cove Complex Fire, which includes the Black Cove Fire, Deep Wood Fire, and the Fish Hook Fire. These three wildfires will remain in a single post unless they one over the other have more significant fire activity which will then be separated into individual wildfires. Management of the fires in this Complex is under the NC State Team 1, a CIMT.

The cause of these wildfires is currently unknown.

The number of structures lost is unknown.

Burning Bans have been implemented across the State due to dry and drought conditions. Please follow your local weather and news coverage channels, as well as “Official” Fire and local Law Enforcement updates and mandates. This is to protect you, your family, pets and livestock.

FIRE COMMUNITY MEETING

All three fires in this Complex: The Community Meeting is/was being held at the Womack Building, located at 40 Courthouse Street, Columbus, North Carolina 28722. This will be recorded per the North Carolina Forest Service which can be accessed through their Facebook page.

RESOURCES – EVACUEES

Animal Service (Polk County): Animal Services is available to help with the evacuation of pets or large animals. If you need help with loading, trailering, transporting, or housing large animals or are evacuating and need a place for your pets, contact Patti Lovelack at 828-817-7984.

Emergency Shelter: Polk County Senior Center/Meeting Place, 75 Carmel Lane, Columbus, North Carolina.

COMPLEX FIRES

Photo Credit: Polk County Local Government

Black Cove Fire

This first fire named the the Black Cove Fire is burning about five miles northeast of Saluda (Polk County), North Carolina on lands managed by the North Carolina Forest Service.

It originally started off of Green River Cove Road.

Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for homes located at 5079 to 7265 Holbrook Cove Road and Fox Paul Lane.

Fire behavior has been observed as active with uphill runs, running and back, while threatening area structures. It has burned about 1,239 acres of hardwood litter medium slash and timber.

There is a 0% containment status as of today’s update. The expected time for this fire to be fully contained has been projected for April 15, 2025.

There are about 147 total personnel along with three crews, 11 engines and a single helicopter assigned to this incident.

Cost-to-date has reached $125,000.

Deep Woods Fire

Photo Credit: Polk County Local Government

This wildfire is one of three and it is located off of Deep Woods Lane.

Thre fire has burned about 1,713 acres and has a 0% containment status. The expected time for this fire to be fully contained has been projected for April 15, 2025.

There is a total of 38 personnel assigned to this incident, along with 19 engines and two helicopters.

According to the daily Situation Report published by the National Interagency Fire Center based out of Boise, Idaho (USA), they state the fire has taken three structures (lost).

The Cost-to-Date has reached $85,000.

Fish Hook Fire

Photo Credit: Unknown

This third wildfire has burned about 199 total acres and firefighters have successfully reached a 50% containment status. The estimated time slated for full containment is March 24, 2025.

There are 24 total personnel with seven (7) engines.

The evacuation notice for the Lake Adger community has been lifted and residents were allowed to return to their homes.

According to the NIFC published today, there have been five (5) structures destroyed.

Fourth Fire

Fire Officials stated they were called out to a fourth fire but found it to be the Black Cove Fire. Other outlets are still reporting four wildfires and we have verified with the Official Fire Service’s Social Media public posts, that there are in fact, only three fires.

Shoutout to Local Community Heroes

Ward’s Grill: Josh and his team are preparing hundreds of meals for firefighters in the community of Saluda which has been a hard-hit area with wildfires. This is a bright shiny star in an area greatly impacted by darkness and fire.

(c) 2025 NW FIRE BLOG