Polk County officials are urgently evacuating residents as three fast-moving wildfires continue to grow, fueled by high winds and dry conditions. The largest, the Black Cove Fire, has scorched nearly 600 acres and remains zero percent contained, according to the North Carolina Forest Service.
Evacuation orders are in effect for areas near two additional fires: the Deep Woods Fire, now at over 330 acres, and the Fish Hook Fire, which has already surpassed 90 acres.
So far, six structures have been destroyed in the Fish Hook Fire, and one home was lost, with another damaged in the Deep Woods blaze, said Polk County Public Information Officer Kellie Cannon.
Firefighters from across North Carolina and as far as South Carolina are working 12-hour shifts to contain the flames. Crews are facing extreme challenges as strong winds and dry brush allow the fires to spread quickly.
Residents around the vicinity of the growing wild fires are being urged to evacuate immediately. Those displaced can seek refuge at the Polk County Shelter located at 75 Carmel Lane in Columbus.
Roads under mandatory evacuation:
Fish Hook Fire (Lake Adger area):
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Lake Adger from Jackson to Highland Lane
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Parkway North Rd from Lake Adger to North Park Lane
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North Park Lane
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North Boundary Rd
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North Martin Lane
Deep Woods Fire (Piney Mountain/Green River Gamelands area):
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Deepwoods Lane
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Wesley Lane
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Piney Gate Rd
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Piney Overlook Lane
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Gamelands Trail
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Oakview Lane
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Volley Way
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Charity Branch Dr
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Windsong Ln
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Moonshine Trace
Officials are continuing to monitor the situation closely and ask all residents to remain alert and prepared to evacuate if conditions worsen.
