The Black Cove Complex currently has more than 500 personnel from North Carolina and other states across the nation supporting this incident.
A Red Flag Warning was issued for the area due to increased temperature, low humidity and increased winds, conditions favorable for fire progression. Rain chances increase early next week ahead of a cold front that will approach the region Sunday before crossing the area Monday.
The Black Cove Complex is the highest priority fire in the U.S, which gives the IMT priority for resources. There are 500 personnel from North Carolina and other states across the nation supporting this incident.
A wildfire has started near the Alarka Highlands in Swain County. Currently, the fire is 911 acres in size and 0% contained.
Swain County Emergency Management has evacuation notices in place. Evacuation orders for Swain County residents include:
Long Creek LaneUnahala Creek LaneAlarka Highlands DriveThe Southern Area Incident Management Gray Team is mobilizing and will take over the incident Friday, March 28 at 8 a.m.
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The Black Cove Complex is the highest priority fire in the U.S, which gives the incident management team (IMT) priority for resources. Currently, there are 476 personnel from North Carolina and other states across the nation.
The Black Cove Complex is the highest priority fire in the U.S, which gives the incident management team (IMT) priority for resources. Currently, there are 476 personnel from North Carolina and other states across the nation supporting this incident.
Today, the National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for the mountains of Polk and Henderson counties, indicating the potential for severe fire behavior and the possibility of rapid fire spread.
According to the National Interagency Fire Center, the Black Cove Complex is the highest priority fire in the Southern U.S. Currently, there are 303 personnel from North Carolina and other states across the nation supporting this incident.
WHO/WHAT:
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler will be available to talk to members of the news media about the ongoing efforts to battle wildfires in Polk County and Western N.C. and the statewide burn ban in place due to dry and windy conditions.
WHEN/WHERE:
Wednesday, March 26, 11:30 a.m.
Tryon International Equestrian Center
25 International Blvd.
Mill Spring, NC 28756
BACKGROUND:
Firefighters continue efforts to contain three wildfires in Polk County. The fires are being managed as a complex by the N.C. Forest Service Red Team, which assumed command of the incident Saturday, March 22.
This group of fires consists of the Black Cove, Deep Woods and Fish Hook fires. Currently, there are 249 personnel from across North Carolina and other states assigned to and supporting this incident.
The N.C. Forest Service is reminding the public that a statewide ban on open burning remains in effect until further notice as most of the state is currently experiencing critical fire weather. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures are contributing to extreme fire behavior.
Due to increased fire risk, the N.C. Forest Service has issued a ban on all open burning and has canceled all burning permits statewide effective 8 a.m. Friday, March 21, until further notice.