Wildfires in the Carolinas have prompted mandatory evacuations in Polk County, North Carolina, as emergency responders battle multiple blazes exacerbated by dry conditions and storm debris from Hurricane Helene. The North Carolina Department of Public Safety announced the mandatory evacuations on Saturday evening, urging residents to leave their homes immediately due to rapidly spreading fires.
As of Sunday, March 23, 2025, three significant wildfires, named the Black Cove, Deep Woods, and Fish Hook fires, had already consumed over 3,000 acres combined. These fires were mainly spreading in the area south-east of Asheville, which is still feeling the impact of Hurricane Helene that swept through last September, causing widespread damage and leaving numerous downed trees that are now fueling the current blazes.
According to Kelly Cannon, a spokesperson for Polk County, the Black Cove fire had burned approximately 1,239 acres and was reported to be 0% contained. The Deep Woods fire was burning 1,713 acres, also uncontained, while the Fish Hook fire had achieved 50% containment after burning about the same amount. "Visibility in the area will be reduced and roads/evacuation routes can become blocked; if you do not leave now, you could be trapped, injured, or killed," officials said in a statement, highlighting the urgency of the evacuation orders.
In response to the deteriorating air quality due to the smoke from these fires, the North Carolina Division of Air Quality issued a "Code Red" alert signaling that the air is unhealthy for all citizens in Polk County. Meanwhile, an overall statewide burn ban has been imposed, reflecting the severity of the situation.
The impact of these wildfires is not limited to North Carolina. South Carolina's Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency as wildfires spread into Pickens County, where the Table Rock fire has grown to more than 300 acres since igniting on March 21. Voluntary evacuations were issued as local fire officials worked tirelessly to combat the blaze, which was reported at 0% containment as of Sunday afternoon. McMaster's order aims to mobilize resources quickly to ensure the safety of residents and support the firefighting efforts.
In a social media post, South Carolina Pines County officials noted that the steep terrain of the Blue Ridge Mountains is hampering firefighting efforts. The terrain presents challenges for heavier firefighting equipment, complicating their ability to reach the flames efficiently. “This situation is exacerbated by downed timber left from Hurricane Helene, which acts as additional fuel for these wildfires,” stated a representative from the South Carolina Forestry Commission.
Reports indicate that the Table Rock fire began due to a “negligent act” related to a group of teenage hikers, according to a local sheriff's statement. As of Sunday, crews had established voluntary evacuations for approximately 100 residences in the vicinity of the table rock area, with around 500 more homes under close observation.
Simultaneously, crews in New Jersey have been dealing with their own fire challenges. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service reported a blaze in the Wharton State Forest that erupted on March 22, covering an area of approximately 2.7 square miles and achieving about 50% containment by Sunday morning. This fire has led to the evacuation of two campgrounds, but as of now, surrounding structures have not been evacuated as firefighters redirect the flames away from them.
Across the affected regions, the drought conditions in both Carolinas have led to an elevated risk of wildfires, which were classified as “abnormally dry” or experiencing moderate drought conditions. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, almost all of the two states fall into these classifications, indicating a severe threat to properties and local ecosystems. Bob Oravec, a meteorologist at the Weather Prediction Center, discussed how the seasonal shift into spring brings an abundance of dry fuels on the ground, making the conditions perfect for rapid fire spread. “This time of year is always precarious, especially with the increase in leaf cover and potential wind patterns,” he explained.
Polk County, which is home to approximately 20,000 residents, has been through similar hardships in the past, with Hurricane Helene inflicting significant damage across over 5,000 miles of state-maintained roads and 7,000 private roads, bridges, and culverts. Residents have been urged to stay alert and follow evacuation orders to ensure their safety as crews continue to battle these dangerous wildfires.
Authorities including the North Carolina forest service continue to monitor the situation closely, with the primary goal being to protect lives and property while managing forestland. In the wake of this emergency, residents and officials stand united against the challenges presented by wildfires, exemplifying the community's resilience in the face of adversity.
As firefighters brave the dangerous conditions to combat the blazes, residents of both states remain hopeful that increased humidity predicted for later in the week may provide some relief. Nonetheless, the severity of wildfires should remind local residents to remain cautious and aware of the possible dangers that come with dry weather conditions.
