Black Cove Complex Fire update: Nearly 7,770 acres burned
Firefighters gain ground in Polk and Henderson Counties amid Governor Stein’s emergency declaration blunder
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POLK COUNTY, NC — Nearly 500 personnel from North Carolina and across the nation are supporting the fight against the Black Cove Complex fires, according to the North Carolina Forest Service.
Today marks the ninth day of a red air quality alert in Polk County, meaning the air is unhealthy. Rain is expected today and tomorrow, according to the National Weather Service. Excessive storm debris and fallen timber from Hurricane Helene are hindering firefighting efforts, officials told me this week. The loss of tree canopy has left more ground cover exposed to sunlight, drying vegetation faster and accelerating fire spread.
Fire Status Updates
Black Cove Fire
Size: 3,500 acres
Containment: 35%
Location: 2 miles northeast of Saluda, Green River Gorge
Cause: Downed powerline, first reported on March 19
Fire behavior remains intense, with rapid spread due to shifting winds and dry weather. The southwest portion of the fire near Skyland Acres remains a top priority for containment to protect nearby homes.
Overnight, firefighters conducted strategic firing operations to eliminate unburned fuel between the fire perimeter and containment lines. Thanks to increased humidity levels, the fires burned more slowly, allowing crews to maintain safety throughout the operation. The effort concluded at 3 a.m. without incident.
Deep Woods Fire
Size: 3,970 acres
Containment: 32%
Location: 5 miles northwest of Columbus, Green River Gorge and Holbert Cove
Cause: Under investigation, first reported March 19
Crews utilized a combination of bulldozer and hand lines along the southeastern section of the fire near the Green River. Overnight firing operations created a controlled, slow-moving burn that reduced excess vegetation and provided further protection for homes along Green River Road. Both wildland and structural firefighters worked overnight to ensure the operation was successful. Day crews will continue to reinforce containment lines.
Fish Hook Fire
Size: 199 acres
Containment: 100%
Location: 5 miles northwest of Mill Spring, near Lake Adger
Cause: Downed powerline, first reported March 20
Community Meeting
The City of Saluda hosted a community meeting on Thursday, March 27, at 6 p.m. Fire managers and emergency officials shared updates on the Black Cove Complex fires.
Due to the lack of internet at the event, no livestream was available. I attended in person to record it, however the file was not usable - somehow it recorded it all in slow motion! Saluda recorded the meeting via zoom and I shared it on Facebook: Watch it here. (Dear Government: Please have meetings in spaces where there is ample internet for people to livestream.)
Evacuations and State of Emergency
Evacuation levels are continuously assessed as fire activity evolves. Residents should monitor the official websites of Polk County and Henderson County for the latest evacuation orders. (View the interactive map here.)
As the Black Cove Complex Fire continues to burn through Polk County, residents are not only questioning the delayed state of emergency declaration but also a glaring mistake on the official document. As I first reported, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein declared a state of emergency on March 26 — a full week after the fire ignited — but the paperwork shockingly lists the year as 2005 instead of 2025.
For residents and local officials already frustrated by the sluggish state response, the date error raises serious concerns about the competence of the governor’s office. If the state can't correctly file basic paperwork, what does that mean for the county’s ability to secure federal aid?
Flight and Burn Restrictions
A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains in place, prohibiting unauthorized aircraft, including drones, from flying over the fire zone at altitudes up to 5,500 feet. Drones pose a serious safety risk to aerial firefighting operations.
Additionally, a statewide ban on open burning has been in effect since March 21. All burning permits remain canceled, and no new permits will be issued until further notice.
Delayed Action, Heightened Risk
The Black Cove Complex Fire has now scorched nearly 7,700 acres, according to the latest Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) report and NC Forest Service (read Friday’s report here.) One firefighter was injured this week and more than 20 structures were destroyed, as I previously reported.
Despite the mounting danger, it took Governor Stein days longer than neighboring states to act. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency for the Table Rock Complex Fire on March 22, unlocking FEMA resources within hours. By contrast, Stein’s delayed decision forced local crews to rely on limited county resources during the critical early days of the fire.
Will Polk County Get FEMA Reimbursement?
The incorrect date on Stein’s state of emergency declaration is more than just a typo — it could significantly complicate Polk County’s ability to receive FEMA reimbursements. Federal agencies are notorious for their strict documentation requirements, and mismatched dates can trigger delays or even denials of funding.
“FEMA paperwork is complex enough without a glaring 20-year date error,” said a former federal emergency management official, who asked to remain anonymous. “If Polk County’s reimbursement request lists a state of emergency declared in 2005 instead of 2025, it’s not a stretch to think it could get flagged, delaying crucial funds for months.”
State officials have yet to clarify how the mistake occurred or what steps are being taken to correct it. FEMA has acknowledged the declaration but has not commented on whether the error will impact funding.
What Else Is Slipping Through the Cracks?
The question many residents are now asking is: If the governor's office can’t get the date right, what else has been overlooked? From the initial delay in declaring the emergency to the inaccurate paperwork, confidence in state leadership is wavering.
“We deserve accountability,” said local business owner Marie Thompson, who evacuated her Deep Woods property. “If they can't handle the paperwork, how can we trust them to handle the recovery?”
Next Steps for Polk County
While FEMA has approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) for the Black Cove Complex Fire, county officials are calling for immediate corrections to the governor’s declaration to ensure no further delays in federal assistance.
Polk County’s recovery will depend on timely FEMA reimbursements to cover firefighting costs, infrastructure repairs, and relief efforts. Residents and local leaders will be watching closely to see if state officials can fix the error — and whether any other administrative mistakes will surface.
Opinion & Analysis: Cops & Congress Commentary
Three Things to Watch After Governor Stein’s State of Emergency Blunder
Governor Josh Stein’s state of emergency declaration for the Black Cove Complex Fire listed the wrong year — 2005 instead of 2025. It’s a careless mistake with real-world consequences. Here’s what to watch:
1. Will FEMA Delay Reimbursements?
FEMA paperwork is notoriously strict. A 20-year error could trigger delays or rejections of Polk County’s reimbursement claims. State officials will need to move quickly to correct it.
2. Who’s Accountable?
Was this just a clerical mistake, or a sign of broader disorganization? Expect calls for transparency on how this error happened and who’s responsible.
3. Will It Happen Again?
North Carolinians deserve confidence in their government’s ability to respond to disasters. Lawmakers may push for stronger oversight to prevent similar blunders in future emergencies.
Final Thought
Mistakes happen, but when lives and livelihoods are on the line, they cannot be brushed aside. Governor Stein has an obligation to not only fix this mess but also explain how it happened. The people of Polk County — and all North Carolinians — are watching.
🏛️ All those mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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The power company is responsible for this neglect. They should be sued to pay for what has happened.