Western North Carolina is battling a growing wildfire emergency just months after Hurricane Helene’s historic floods ravaged the region.
In Polk County, more than 5,700 acres have burned across multiple wildfires, including the rapidly expanding Black Cove Complex fires, which alone have scorched over 5,500 acres since Wednesday. As of late Monday, the fires were 0% contained.
At least three homes and several other structures have been destroyed, prompting mandatory evacuations across affected areas.
Polk County just released the following map, detailing the evacuation zones:
Emergency crews face additional challenges from leftover debris and damaged roads caused by Helene’s impact in September. The storm left extensive treefall and flooding, complicating access and firefighting efforts.
Currently, 263 firefighters from North Carolina and eight other states are working 12-hour shifts to stop the spread. Meanwhile, fire officials warn that the nearby Table Rock Complex Fire in South Carolina has grown to 2,293 acres and is expected to reach North Carolina soon.
That blaze, which had also been 0% contained as of Monday evening, has burned across the southern slopes of Rocky Mountain and Buzzard Mountain and neared the northern edge of Table Rock Reservoir.
A state of emergency has been declared in Transylvania County, North Carolina, and South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has also declared a state of emergency for the Table Rock Fire.
Large portions of Western North and South Carolina are also now under a red flag warning:
A Red Flag Warning will be in place for NE GA, and portions of the western Upstate and western NC. Increased Fire Danger for the rest of the area. Gusty winds and very low RH values this afternoon and early evening. Burn bans remain in place for both Carolinas. #ncwx #scwx #gawx pic.twitter.com/lyZgSPLAP8
— NWS GSP (@NWSGSP) March 26, 2025
With containment still elusive, officials are urging residents in fire-prone areas to stay alert and be ready to evacuate if conditions worsen.
