Firefighters are facing a tough battle against three wildfires in western North Carolina due to challenging terrain and debris from Hurricane Helene. The Black Cove, Deep Woods, and Fish Hook fires are currently raging in Polk County, an area still recovering from the impact of Helene six months ago. The Black Cove Fire, ignited by a downed power line on Wednesday, has scorched 2,076 acres with no containment as of Sunday. The Deep Woods Fire, the largest at 1,802 acres, also remains 0% contained. Evacuation orders have been issued for nearby areas affected by the Black Cove and Deep Woods fires. Henderson County officials have issued a voluntary evacuation notice for residents living near the fires. The Fish Hook Fire has burned 199 acres and is 50% contained, with multiple structures lost. A burn ban is in effect across North Carolina as low humidity levels heighten fire risks. Additional wildfires have erupted in Wilkes, Burke, and Caldwell Counties, with one fire in Wilkes County being 50% contained after burning 200 acres. Residents are urged to stay indoors due to poor air quality caused by smoke from the fires.
