Polk County, North Carolina – Three wildfires in western North Carolina have proven that firefighters are difficult to beat due to the rough terrain and wreckage left behind in Hurricane Helen.
Fires in Black Coves, Deep Woods and Fishhook continue to burn in Polk County, an area that was devastated by Helen almost six months ago.
The Black Cove fire, which began last Wednesday, burned 2,076 acres and as of Sunday afternoon there was no containment. The fire department said it was started by a fallen power line.
Meanwhile, the Deep Woods fire is the largest on 1,802 acres and remains at 0%.
Officials said evacuation orders are in place in several areas surrounding the fires in Black Cove and Deep Woods.
The community based on the Polk County evacuation order is located near Henderson County.
Henderson County Emergency Management Officer A fire in nearby Polk County issued a voluntary evacuation notice to residents of Laurel Mountain View Road and Boulder View Road area on Sunday.
Fish hook fire burns 199 acres and contains 50%. Authorities said at least six structures were lost in the fire.
On Saturday, Polk County received a “red” air quality alert, with the North Carolina Forest Service advised residents not to go outside for a long time. Burn bans are in effect throughout North Carolina.
According to the South Carolina State Guard, National Guard air crews have joined in their efforts to participate in the Persin Monridge Fire in Greenville, South Carolina. The fire that erupted on Sunday morning spread over about 100 acres.
No cause of the fire has been reported.
