WNC wildfire hopped river in two places; See evacuation readiness map for Polk, Henderson
With three fires in Polk and Henderson counties burning on public and private land, the N.C. Forest Service and county emergency management departments have released a map indicating the size and location of the fires as they've grown in the last two days. The maps also indicate suggested readiness levels for residents.
With weather expected to be dry and wind gusts over 30 mph on March 25, there is a high likelihood the fires could grow. Here's what to know.
The largest fires in WNC are located in Polk and Henderson counties. The two larger fires, the Deep Woods Fire and the Black Cove Fire, are located in the Green River Gorge and nestled in a valleyed stretch of the area typically known for tubing and kayaking in the summer months.
As of the latest March 24 update from the N.C. Forest Service, the Black Cove Fire spans 2,813 acres and is at 0% containment. The Deep Woods Fire is at 2,742 acres and is at 0% containment.
Another fire, the Fish Hook Fire, is at 199 acres and 69% containment, the N.C. Forest Service estimates.
Henderson County Emergency Management, Polk County Emergency Management and the N.C. Forest Service have released maps of the three fires, indicating that the Black Cove fire had hopped over the Green River, spreading to the west ridge of Cove Mountain. N.C. Forest Service spokesperson E. J. Dwigans confirmed the fire had hopped the river in two spots in Polk County. The fire moved toward Cove Creek on March 24, according to the N.C. Forest Service's update.
Henderson County Emergency Management map includes indications of whether an area has been evacuated and how prepared residents should be to evacuate if the fire spreads to their community. Suggestions for those in green areas include considering a plan if evacuation becomes necessary. Those in yellow areas, have a "high probability" of a need to evacuate, meaning they should pack necessary items and prepare family and pets for potential departure. Those in red areas have been issued evacuation orders.
An interactive map of all wildfires in WNC and in Upstate South Carolina is available on the Citizen Times website.
As of the latest March 24 update, 263 personnel from North Carolina, South Carolina, Michigan, Montana, Wyoming, Tennessee, Oregon, South Dakota and California are working to stop and slow the spread of the fire and protect structures. On March 23, Polk County Fire Marshal Bobby Arledge called fighting the fire amid complications from Tropical Storm Helene a "nightmare."
In response to the Black Cove Fire in Polk County, evacuation orders have been issued for residents who live along Lady Slipper Trail, Big Hungry Road, Spurgeon Cove Lane, English Heifer Cove Road, Deer Trail, Scarlets Mountain Road and Green River Cove Road addresses from 1091-1528. In Henderson County, voluntary evacuation orders have been issued for Laurel Mountain View Road and Boulder View Road.
In response to the Deep Woods Fire, evacuation orders have been issued for residents on Fox Paw Lane and from 5079-7265 Holberts Cove Road.
In total, Polk County has issued 165 evacuation orders while Henderson County has issued 29.
Polk County's shelter for wildfire evacuees is located at 75 Carmel Lane in Columbus. Henderson County's emergency shelter is located at 708 South Grove Street, Hendersonville.
This story will be updated.
Will Hofmann is the Growth and Development Reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Got a tip? Email him at WHofmann@citizentimes.com.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: WNC wildfire evacuation readiness map for Polk, Henderson residents
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