Steve Troxler, Commissioner | North Carolina Department Of Agriculture & Consumer Services
Steve Troxler, Commissioner | North Carolina Department Of Agriculture & Consumer Services
Firefighters are progressing in managing the Black Cove Complex fires in Polk and Henderson counties, assisted by recent cold and wet conditions. Precipitation has been instrumental in fast-tracking firefighting efforts this week.
The N.C. Forest Service Red Incident Management Team (IMT) will hand command of the fires back to a Type 4 IMT. The transition, set for Thursday, involves incoming resources shadowing the current team to ensure seamless continuation of efforts.
Ongoing efforts include repair work and mop-up, focusing on extinguishing remaining hotspots to enhance containment. As temperatures rise over the weekend, it may reveal areas still smoldering, potentially producing light smoke as firefighters address these hotspots.
The Red IMT extends its gratitude to the communities and partner agencies, including Polk and Henderson counties' emergency management teams, law enforcement, state fire officials, and others for their contributions to managing the incident.
"This will be the final update on the Black Cove Complex unless conditions significantly change."
Evacuations remain under constant evaluation based on fire activity, with updates available on the websites of Polk and Henderson counties.
A Temporary Flight Restriction is in effect, from the surface to 5,500 feet daily, restricting air traffic to ensure safe wildfire response operations.
Governor Josh Stein had previously declared a State of Emergency on Tuesday, March 26, to enhance the state's wildfire response capacity.
Check the North Carolina Wildfire Public Viewer for statewide wildfire activity updates or subscribe for updates from the N.C. Forest Service.
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