26-03-2025
Emergency Management: Firefighter rescued after being trapped under tree in Polk County
POLK COUNTY, N.C. (WSPA) – A firefighter battling wildfires in North Carolina reportedly had to be taken to the hospital after being injured on Tuesday.
According to North Carolina Emergency Management, rescue teams received an urgent call for aid after a tree fell on the firefighter.
Emergency management dispatched a Helo-Aquatic Rescue Team to the fire in a Blackhawk helicopter on loan from the North Carolina National Guard.
Crews were able to free the firefighter from the tree and transfer them to Polk County EMS.
During a community meeting in Henderson County on Tuesday an incident commander said the firefighter was transferred to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center for treatment and is expected to recover.
On Wednesday Henderson County declared a state of emergency due to the wildfires spreading into the county.
'Henderson County Board of Commissioners' Chairman William Lapsley has declared a a State of Emergency for Henderson County effective 5:00 p.m., Monday, March 24, 2025 due to the wildfires that originated in Polk County. The State of Emergency will continue until emergency service officials advise otherwise. The County-wide burning ban remains in effect.
Wildfires in various sections of the county have the potential to threaten life and property. Emergency personnel are prepared to take action to evacuate county residents if necessary and support all efforts toward fire suppression.
This State of Emergency ensures that Henderson County and has the necessary resources in place to respond to the potential impacts from the wildfires that originated from Polk County.'
Henderson County Government
You can view the latest details on the Polk and Henderson County wildfires, including evacuation alerts, acreage, containment and other details by clicking here.
You can also get the latest updates on the Table Rock and Persimmon Ridge fires by clicking here.
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