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FLAT ROCK, N.C. — A firefighter was injured battling the relentless Black Cove Complex Fires in Polk County, Incident Commander Shane Hardee announced at a tense public meeting in Flat Rock on Tuesday. The video was shared by Henderson County. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangerous conditions first responders face as they fight to contain the flames.
The fires have raged across the county for a week, devouring thousands of acres of forested land. The three fires — Black Cove, Deep Woods, and Fish Hook — have displaced residents, destroyed homes, and sent plumes of smoke billowing across the region. More than 300 firefighters from North Carolina and as far away as Montana and California are on the ground, working long shifts to slow the advancing flames.
State records from the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) show that fire personnel will be in the area until April 19, 2025.
The Battle Against the Flames
Over 20 structures have been destroyed and evacuations have been ordered in parts of Polk and Henderson County, according to Polk County Public Information Officer Kellie Cannon.
Black Cove Fire: (35° 17′ 7.53″ N , 82° 17′ 49.96″ W)
Currently, the Black Cove Fire is 3,046 acres in size and 0% contained. The fire is burning in timber on state-owned and private land, approximately 2 miles northeast of Saluda, in the Green River Gorge, according to the N.C. Forest Service.
Fire behavior was intense yesterday, with rapid fire spread and extreme burning conditions as high winds and dry weather returned to Western North Carolina. The Black Cove Fire continued to burn to the west, on both sides of the Green River, as firefighters continued protecting structures and attempted to prevent it from spreading toward homes off Summerhaven and Macedonia roads.
Yesterday, a firefighter was injured on the Black Cove Fire. The individual was airlifted to Spartanburg, South Carolina, where he received medical attention and is currently in stable condition.
The Black Cove Fire was first reported Wednesday, March 19. The cause of this fire was determined to be a downed power line.
Deep Woods Fire: (35° 17′ 34.77″ N , 82° 15′ 34.00″ W)
Currently, the Deep Woods Fire is 2,923 acres in size and 0% contained, according to the N.C. Forest Service. The fire is burning approximately 5 miles northwest of Columbus in timber on state-owned and private land in the Green River Gorge and in the neighboring Holbert Cove community.
Firefighters continue protecting structures on the southern end of the fire and working to prevent the fire’s spread to the south of Holbert Cove Road. Yesterday, firefighters on the Deep Woods Fire detected a spot fire that had crossed over Cove Creek in the vicinity of Big Bradley Falls. Air support was used to drop water on the spot fire until nightfall. Firefighters are assessing the possibility of constructing containment lines along Cove Mountain and will work to keep the spot fire from moving further west.
The Deep Woods Fire was first reported Wednesday, March 19. The cause of this fire remains under investigation.
Fish Hook Fire: (35° 20′ 52.42″ N , 82° 14′ 5.01″ W)
Currently, the Fish Hook Fire is 199 acres in size and 72% contained, according to the N.C. Forest Service. The fire is burning approximately 5 miles northwest of Mill Spring on private land near Lake Adger.
Firefighting personnel have stopped the forward progress of the fire. Firefighters continue securing firebreaks along the fire’s edges and extinguishing smoldering fuels. Containment is expected to continue in the coming days, and firefighters will remain on scene until the fire no longer poses a threat.
The Fish Hook fire was first reported Thursday, March 20. The cause of this fire was determined to be a downed power line.
Communities on Edge
At the public meeting, residents listened closely as Hardee and other officials outlined the latest containment strategies. Some had already evacuated, leaving behind homes and memories. Others were anxiously waiting, unsure whether the flames would reach their neighborhoods.
“I know how frightening this is,” Hardee said, addressing the crowd. “But our crews are doing everything possible to protect your homes and keep you safe.”
For those displaced, the Meeting Place Senior Center at 75 Carmel Lane in Columbus is serving as an emergency shelter. Pets and livestock are also receiving care through Polk County Animal Control, which is offering relocation assistance to owners in need.
The Danger in the Air
Beyond the immediate threat of the flames, the fires have also brought hazardous air quality. A Code Red Air Quality Alert remains in effect, with thick smoke blanketing the county. Residents with respiratory issues, young children, and the elderly are urged to stay indoors and wear N95 masks if venturing outside.
State officials have also imposed a burn ban across North Carolina. Violators face steep fines as the dry, windy conditions continue to fuel the fire's spread.
Adding to the complexity, a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) has been put in place over the fire zone. Firefighting aircraft rely on clear airspace for water drops and surveillance, and even a single unauthorized drone could ground these operations.
“It’s a matter of life and death,” Hardee said. “We can’t risk losing precious time because someone thought flying a drone for footage was a good idea.”
Staying Informed and Prepared
Residents are encouraged to stay alert through Everbridge emergency notifications and check official updates from Polk County Emergency Management and the North Carolina Forest Service.
For evacuation maps, updates, and additional resources, visit:
As the meeting concluded, Hardee’s voice carried a mix of determination and caution. “This is far from over,” he said. “But we are in this together. We’ll fight these fires with everything we’ve got.”
Opinion & Analysis: Cops & Congress Commentary
Firefighter Injured, Questions Remain in Black Cove Complex Response
As a firefighter recovers from injuries sustained while battling the Black Cove Complex Fires, the question on my mind is — why weren’t these fires contained sooner?
We’ve seen the photos: scorched landscapes, homes reduced to ashes, and plumes of smoke choking the sky. Over 6,100 acres have burned, with no containment reported for the Black Cove and Deep Woods Fires. Now, with one of the firefighters injured, the stakes are higher than ever. While the bravery and dedication of first responders are undeniable, the larger picture is troubling.
Three things I’m watching:
1. Delayed Response and Resource Gaps
Local officials knew the fire threat was severe. The conditions — dry weather, gusty winds, and difficult terrain — were a recipe for disaster. So why wasn’t additional help requested sooner? While over 300 personnel from multiple states are now on the ground, that level of coordination could have come earlier. Every minute matters in wildland firefighting, and the delay may have made the situation worse.
2. The Role of Power Lines
Two of the fires — Black Cove and Fish Hook — were sparked by downed power lines. That raises questions about infrastructure maintenance and utility accountability. Were these lines inspected recently? Were preventative measures, like vegetation management, ignored? Investigations should include whether the utility companies upheld their responsibilities and if state oversight was sufficient.
3. Communication with the Public
Polk County residents deserve timely, transparent updates. The Ready, Set, Go evacuation system is a step in the right direction, but there’s been confusion about evacuation zones and the status of containment efforts. Geofencing was used in the early days, however, it’s unclear if it is still being used.
A Call for Accountability
The firefighters on the frontlines are doing their jobs with unwavering dedication. They’ve put their lives on the line, and one has now been injured because of it. But leadership must be held accountable. Emergency response plans should be scrutinized. Could quicker decisions have prevented this injury? And once the flames are out, will we see serious reforms in fire prevention and response strategies?
Stay tuned to Cops & Congress for the latest updates.
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