Evacuations Underway as Wildfires Rage Through Post-Helene Wreckage in North Carolina [WATCH]

Western North Carolina is under siege—again. After Hurricane Helene tore through Polk County just six months ago, the battered region now finds itself grappling with a trio of fast-moving wildfires that have prompted evacuations, destroyed homes, and turned the air toxic.

The terrain is rough, the debris is thick, and the fires aren’t giving up. The Black Cove Fire, believed to have ignited last Wednesday thanks to a downed power line, has already scorched over 2,000 acres, as reported by The New York Post.

As of Sunday afternoon, there was still zero containment. The Deep Woods Fire, currently the largest, has burned through 1,802 acres with no end in sight. And yes—0% contained as well.

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It’s a grim situation, made worse by the fact that both fires are creeping dangerously close to populated areas.

Officials have issued evacuation orders for several communities near the Henderson County line, and Henderson County’s emergency team followed up with a voluntary evacuation advisory for those living on Laurel Mountain View Road and Boulder View Road.

The NCFS said they’re in discussions with North Carolina Emergency Management and Gov. Josh Stein’s office to declare a state of emergency, but it requires a lot of “checkboxes.”

🔥 The Black Cove Complex fires have spread to more than 5,000 acres. #NCpol #WNC pic.twitter.com/BUTN173qcP

— Annie M. Dance 🕵️‍♀️ 📰 (@AnnieMDance) March 24, 2025

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Meanwhile, the Fish Hook Fire—although smaller—has been no less destructive. It’s burned 199 acres and is currently 50% contained. Unfortunately, officials have confirmed that at least six structures have been lost.

With thick smoke blanketing the region, Polk County was hit with a “red” level air quality alert over the weekend. The North Carolina Forest Service didn’t mince words: stay inside, avoid exposure, and don’t even think about burning anything outdoors. A statewide burn ban is in full effect.

Wildfires Burn More Than 2,000 Acres in North Carolina

Evacuation orders are in place for several areas surrounding the Black Cove and Deep Woods fires, officials said.

The Fish Hook Fire has burned 199 acres and is 50% contained. Officials said at least six structures have… pic.twitter.com/fpt7J206ZU

— Steve Gruber (@stevegrubershow) March 23, 2025

In neighboring South Carolina, the National Guard stepped in to help battle the Persimmon Ridge Fire in Greenville. That blaze flared up Sunday morning and has already consumed roughly 100 acres. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

What’s clear, however, is that the aftermath of Hurricane Helene has left these mountain communities incredibly vulnerable. Downed trees, unstable terrain, and an abundance of dry, flammable debris have created a powder keg just waiting for a spark.

Unfortunately, that spark has now turned into a raging inferno on multiple fronts.

With no significant rain in the forecast and containment nowhere in sight, residents in western North Carolina will have to brace for more tough days ahead.