Evacuation levels upgrade in Polk, Henderson counties as wildfires continue to spread
POLK COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Evacuations are underway in Polk and Henderson Counties as wildfires rage, burning more than 6,000 acres.
Smoke continues billowing as the wildfires consume the mountains.
One family who stayed through Hurricane Helene, but didn't take a chance on the wildfires.
'The smoke was so thick and so heavy, just had issues breathing,' said Ilean McKelvey.
The wildfire was getting too close for McKelvey.
'We chose to leave for the safety of the kids,' said McKelvey.
Their home in Saluda is sandwiched between two wildfires.
'It's what 3,000 plus acres on one side of us and 3,000 plus on the other side of the river,' said McKelvey.
The fire danger is not worth the risk.
'To fall asleep and not see the fire headed your way, it was mentally exhausting,' said McKelvey.
It's a place they've been before. Hurricane Helene just missed breaching the bank off the road where their home sits.
'All of this was the river,' said McKelvey.
Green River Cove Road washed out from Hurricane Helene, and now exactly six months later, this mountainside is charred from the wildfires.
'We're kind of being a little bit tested,' said McKelvey.
But it's nothing they can't stand up to.
'As you can see, we went through the flood. Then we're being tested by fire,' said McKelvey.
But their faith is not destroyed.
'The best thing that I can tell you: God's still on his throne,' said McKelvey.
McKelvey and her family are back home for good, at least they hope. Now that the wildfire danger has decreased for them, they're hoping it does the same for their neighbors.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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