Polk County wildfires complicate firefighting due to road damage
Firefighters are facing challenges in Polk County, North Carolina, as they battle two wildfires in the Green River Cove area. The Deep Woods Fire and the Black Cove Fire together cover over 2,000 acres. Access to these fires is limited because Tropical Storm Helene caused significant damage to local roads. The main road, Green River Cove Road, is currently closed to non-emergency personnel and has only one entrance available for emergency workers. Parts of the road were flooded during the storm, complicating firefighting efforts. Firefighters, some coming from as far as Montana, are working hard to create fire lines and protect local residents. The fires began on March 19. The Black Cove Fire was caused by a downed power line, while the cause of the Deep Woods Fire remains under investigation. As of March 22, both fires were not contained, and additional fires, like the Fish Hook Fire, have also caused damage to property. Authorities issued a burn ban on March 21 in response to the fire situation. Mandatory evacuation orders are in place for several areas, and officials are prepared to alert residents if the situation worsens. A public meeting to discuss the fires is scheduled for March 23. The air quality has deteriorated due to smoke from the fires, with nearby areas also affected. Weather forecasts indicate dry conditions with low humidity in the coming days, which raises concerns for fire spread. A shelter for evacuees has been set up, but only a few families have checked in. Local organizations are collecting donations to assist families and firefighters in need.