Is geofencing failing during emergencies?

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Is geofencing failing during emergencies?

Polk County residents question the accuracy of wireless emergency alerts amid wildfires

Annie Dance

Mar 23, 2025

Transcript

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NASA FIRMS map showing fires over the past seven days in Polk County and WNC (each red dot is a fire)

POLK COUNTY, N.C. — A series of wildfires sweeping across Polk County has prompted emergency declarations, evacuations, and an extensive multi-agency response effort. Officials from the North Carolina Forest Service Incident Management Team, alongside local and state authorities, convened a public information meeting this afternoon to update residents on containment efforts, evacuation procedures, and emergency services coordination. I am sharing their recording. (Another livestream gave a different perspective from the back of the room.)

The Fires: A Growing Concern

Three primary fires—Black Cove Fire, Deep Woods Fire, and Fish Hook Fire—have been burning across the county. These fires have been fueled by dry conditions and fallen debris left from Hurricane Helene, creating volatile conditions for firefighters.

Brian Rogers, operations section chief for the North Carolina Forest Service Incident Management Team, outlined the fire containment strategy and highlighted the challenges firefighters face due to difficult terrain, high winds, and rapid fire spread. "This is the third fire I've been on since the beginning of March, and unfortunately, two of those incidents have been here in my home county," Rogers said.

Emergency Declaration and Resources Mobilized

Recognizing the severity of the situation, county officials declared a state of emergency on the first day of the fires to expedite the mobilization of resources. Governor Josh Stein, however, has not declared a state of emergency as of this writing. Emergency Management Coordinator Shane Hardee emphasized the widespread impact of the wildfires, explaining that additional fire crews have been called in from South Carolina, Alabama, Michigan, Tennessee, and even as far as Oregon and California.

"We are competing with other states like Florida, which also has a major fire, for resources," Hardee said. "Aircraft, including Type 1 helicopters and air tankers, have been brought in to assist suppression efforts."

Evacuations and Public Safety

Polk County Sheriff Tim Wright assured residents that law enforcement officers are patrolling evacuated areas to prevent looting. Residents voiced concerns about communication gaps, including difficulties receiving emergency alerts via text messages and lack of real-time updates.

"We're trying to get the information out as quickly as possible," said Kellie Cannon, the county's public information officer. "But we're working with limited resources, and some updates can only be provided once per day."

One resident, Amber Hall, expressed concerns about being unable to receive alerts due to spotty cell service. "I live right at the bottom of Green River Cove and haven't gotten a single text message," Hall said.

During the public information meeting, officials addressed concerns about the accuracy of geofencing technology used for Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs). Residents reported not receiving timely notifications, especially in areas with limited cell service. Hardee acknowledged the challenges of relying on geofencing for rural communities. "We use the best available technology to issue alerts, but terrain and cell tower coverage can affect the reach," he said.

Fire Containment Challenges

Officials explained that containment percentages do not always reflect the fire's behavior. "We will not call a piece of land contained until we are close to 100% sure that the fire will not escape that line," Hardee said.

One of the biggest challenges has been the heavy fuel load—fallen trees and dry vegetation—left behind by past storms. "These conditions are not what we've seen before," Rogers noted. "We have downed trees making access difficult, and these fires are burning much hotter and faster than usual."

Coordination Between Agencies

The North Carolina Forest Service has been coordinating with local fire departments, emergency management teams, and federal agencies to mitigate the fires. Governor Stein issued a statement after the meeting:

"I’m concerned about the wildfires in Polk County, where people are already struggling due to Mother Nature. I thank FEMA for approving North Carolina’s Fire Management Assistance Grant. Stay safe and please continue to listen to emergency guidance around evacuation orders. Visit readync.gov for more info."

Justin Graney, NC Emergency Management (NCEM) Chief of External Affairs also issued a statement addressing many key issues that were not discussed at the meeting. NCEM and the governor’s office did not have any staff at the meeting.

"The State Emergency Response Team, which remains engaged for Helene Recovery, has been engaged in Polk County since these fires began. The North Carolina Forest Service has personnel and an incident management team on scene. The North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal has personnel on scene and has assisted with coordinating the deployment of firefighting resources from other counties to assist, and North Carolina Emergency Management (NCEM) has assisted with deploying personnel, issuing evacuation orders on behalf of the county utilizing the Wireless Emergency Alert network, and deploying communications equipment to Polk County. Additionally, NCEM has activated the North Carolina Helo-Aquatic Rescue Team (NCHART) which is comprised on NCEM and aviation assets from the NC National Guard and NC State Highway Patrol to rapidly extract any firefighters that become trapped or injured while fighting these wildfires. There are no impediments to the state’s ability to respond and to assist Polk County and close coordination will continue. Finally, the State proactively requested a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) which was approved last night. More information will be coming out over the next day on that approval."

Call for Improved Communication

Residents called for a more centralized and frequently updated information source. Some suggested utilizing social media more effectively and ensuring emergency alerts reach all affected individuals.

"I'm asking my county for more than one update per day," one resident said. "We need something that works for everyone, including those with limited internet access."

Looking Ahead

Officials remain hopeful that incoming reinforcements and improved weather conditions will help bring the fires under control in the coming days. However, they urged residents to remain vigilant and prepared for possible evacuations.

10 Key Takeaways from the Meeting:

Three major wildfires—Black Cove, Deep Woods, and Fish Hook—are burning in Polk County.
A local state of emergency was declared early on to mobilize resources according to the Polk County Emergency Management Director. The public has never seen the letter signed by county commissioners, officials never posted it publicly.
Firefighters from across the country have been deployed to help contain the fires.
Heavy debris from Hurricane Helene has made suppression efforts more difficult.
Evacuations are ongoing, and law enforcement is securing vacated properties.
Residents expressed frustration over emergency alert failures and lack of updates.
Officials say containment percentages don’t always reflect actual fire conditions.
A command center has been set up to coordinate fire suppression efforts.
The National Weather Service is providing forecasts to assist firefighting strategy.
Residents are urged to stay prepared and monitor official announcements (and be sure you’re subscribed here.)

Officials emphasized the need for community cooperation and patience as they work to extinguish the fires and protect lives and property.

Opinion & Analysis: Cops & Congress Commentary

Polk County Wildfires Response — Three Things They’ve Done Well and Three Things to Watch

As wildfires rage across Polk County, local officials and first responders have been working around the clock to contain the flames and keep residents safe. While there are areas of concern, there are also notable successes in the response so far. Here’s a look at three things they’ve done well and three things to watch moving forward in my view.

Three Things They’ve Done Well:

Swift Mobilization of Resources
County leaders acted quickly by declaring a state of emergency, enabling the rapid deployment of resources. Firefighters from across the country — including specialized teams from Oregon and California — arrived to assist. The use of aircraft, including Type 1 helicopters and air tankers, demonstrates an effective coordination effort.
Law Enforcement Presence and Property Protection
Polk County Sheriff Tim Wright’s assurance that evacuated areas would be patrolled to prevent looting offered residents some peace of mind. With homes left vulnerable, a strong law enforcement presence is critical. Deputies maintaining visibility and responding to suspicious activity send a clear message that public safety remains a top priority.
Public Engagement and Transparency
While not without its shortcomings, the decision to host a public information meeting was a step in the right direction. Officials gave residents a chance to ask questions and voice their concerns directly. Acknowledging the challenges and openly discussing fire containment strategies provided some reassurance to the community.

Three Things to Watch:

Geofencing and Emergency Alert Failures
Several residents reported not receiving WEAs, highlighting gaps in the geofencing system. Officials blamed cell tower limitations, but it’s a problem that needs a solution. Expect renewed scrutiny on how alerts are issued, particularly in rural areas. Improvements in local emergency communication systems will be a key factor in future responses.
Containment Progress and Resource Management
With unpredictable weather and rugged terrain, keeping the fires contained will remain a significant challenge. The NC Forest Service explained that the fallen debris from Hurricane Helene has made suppression efforts even harder. Monitoring how effectively resources are used — and ensuring exhausted crews receive relief — will be crucial in the days ahead.
Community Communication and Updates
Many residents voiced frustration over the lack of timely updates. While officials committed to providing daily briefings, the demand for more frequent information is clear. Polk County would benefit from establishing a dedicated online dashboard for real-time updates, evacuation orders, and air quality reports.

Ultimately, the response so far has shown the dedication of firefighters, law enforcement, and emergency personnel. But the challenges are far from over. Clear communication, improved alert systems, and sustained containment efforts will be essential in the coming days. For the residents of Polk County, staying informed and prepared remains the best course of action. I’ll continue to share what I learn but I can’t do it alone, or for free. I appreciate your support of my independent journalism. Thank you and stay safe!