Black Cove

**Start Date/Time/Location** The Black Cove Complex fires, which include the Black Cove, Deep Woods, and Fish Hook fires, began on March 19, 2025. The Black Cove Fire started approximately 2 miles northeast of Saluda in the Green River Gorge, Polk County, due to a downed powerline[2][4]. **Size and Containment** **Black Cove Fire** 3,502 acres, 36% contained[3]. **Deep Woods Fire** 3,971 acres, 32% contained[3]. **Fish Hook Fire** 199 acres, 100% contained[3]. **Total Size of Black Cove Complex** 7,672 acres[3]. **Growth and Rate of Spread** Initially, the fires exhibited intense behavior with rapid fire spread due to high winds and dry conditions. However, recent increases in humidity and cloud cover, along with patchy showers, have reduced fire behavior, allowing firefighters to focus on patrolling, mopping up hot spots, and conducting suppression repairs[1][3][5]. **Containment Efforts** Over 500 personnel from North Carolina and other states are involved in containment efforts. Firefighters have completed strategic firing operations and are working to secure containment lines, particularly in the southwestern perimeter to protect nearby homes[2][4].

Citations

['https://www.ncagr.gov/news/press-releases/2025/03/30/morning-update-black-cove-complex', 'https://ktvo.com/news/nation-world/black-cove-complex-fire-polk-county-becomes-highest-priority-fire-united-states-acres-burned-blaze-wildfire-national-weather-service-north-carolina-forest-service', 'https://www.ncagr.gov/news/press-releases/2025/03/30/evening-update-black-cove-complex', 'https://northraleightoday.com/stories/670709749-ongoing-efforts-to-combat-fires-in-black-cove-complex-north-carolina', 'https://wlos.com/news/local/north-carolina-wildfires-evacuation-orders-lifted-rain-storms-polk-county-black-cove-complex-deep-woods-alarka-five-fire-rattlesnake-branch-haywood-table-rock-south-upstate-transylvania']