DEEP WOODS

1. Start Time & Info

**Start Date/Time/Location** The Deep Woods Fire, part of the Black Cove Complex, was first reported on March 19, 2025, and is located approximately 5 miles northwest of Columbus, North Carolina, in the Green River Gorge and the Holbert Cove community[2][3][4]. **Size and Containment** As of the latest updates, the Deep Woods Fire has burned approximately 3,971 acres and is 63% contained[1][4]. **Growth and Rate of Spread** The fire has been spreading through timber on both state-owned and private land. Initially, it had burned 3,231 acres and was 11% contained, but it has since expanded and containment efforts have improved[3][4]. **Containment Efforts** Firefighters are using various tactics, including bulldozers and hand lines near the southeastern portion of the fire by the Green River. Strategic firing operations have been conducted to protect homes along Green River Road[2].

2. Evacuations & Closures

**Evacuations and Sheltering:** **Evacuation Levels** Evacuation levels are constantly being assessed based on fire activity. Residents in specific areas such as Holbert Cove Road, Coyote Ridge, Sam's Gap Lane, and several other locations have been advised to evacuate or be prepared for potential evacuations[3][4]. **Evacuation Shelters and Information** An interactive evacuation map has been created by Henderson County Emergency Management to help residents understand the evacuation levels. The Emergency Shelter at 708 South Grove Street closed on March 31, 2025[4]. **Curfew and Other Restrictions** There are no specific curfew orders mentioned for the Deep Woods Fire area, but residents are advised to stay alert for any evacuation orders and to follow the evacuation map levels (Green - Ready, Yellow - Set, Red - Go)[4]. **Road and Infrastructure Closures:** - No specific road closures are mentioned for the Deep Woods Fire, but residents are advised to avoid non-essential travel to allow firefighters room to work. **Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR):** - A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place at an altitude from the surface up to and including 5,500 feet to ensure safety for firefighting aircraft and to prevent drone interference[1]. **For more information, visit:** - [North Carolina Wildfire Public Viewer]: https://ncfspublic.firesponse.com/ - [Henderson County Emergency Management]: https://www.hendersoncountync.gov/em/page/wildfire-updates - [NC Forest Service Updates]: https://www.ncagr.gov/news/press-releases/2025/04/02/daily-update-black-cove-complex

3. Current Impact

**Impacts:** **Structures Impacted** The Deep Woods Fire has threatened numerous structures, and while specific numbers of destroyed homes are not detailed for this fire alone, at least 11 homes have been destroyed across the Black Cove Complex fires[3]. **Injuries and Fatalities** There have been no reported fatalities directly attributed to the Deep Woods Fire, but a firefighter was injured on the Black Cove Fire and airlifted to a hospital[3]. **School and Business Closures** No specific school or business closures are mentioned for the Deep Woods Fire area, but the broader impact of the Black Cove Complex fires may have affected local operations. **Notable Impacts** The fire has had a significant impact on the Holbert Cove community and the Green River Gorge area, with residents displaced and in need of support. **Safety Concerns:** **Power Outages** There are no specific power outage reports related to the Deep Woods Fire, but residents should be prepared for potential outages. **Water Safety** No specific water safety concerns have been reported. **Burn Bans** A county-issued burn ban is likely in effect due to the extreme fire danger. **Air Quality** The N.C. Division of Air Quality publishes daily forecasts, and residents are advised to monitor air quality updates due to smoke from the fires[4].

4. Current Outlook

**Containment Projections** Firefighters continue to work towards full containment, with ongoing efforts focused on securing the fire perimeter and protecting nearby communities. The fire remains a significant threat due to weather conditions, but progress is being made[1][2][4]. **Weather and Wind Warnings** The area is experiencing challenging weather conditions, including low humidity and strong winds, which are promoting fire spread. Recent rain has brought some relief, but firefighters remain vigilant due to the potential for renewed fire activity[5].

5. Weather info

**Cause** The cause of the Deep Woods Fire is currently under investigation[2][3]. **Weather and Climate** The fire is being fueled by extreme fire weather conditions, including low humidity, strong winds, and the presence of hurricane-damaged timber which has created additional fuel. The area has also experienced rapidly changing weather conditions, which have complicated firefighting efforts[2][3]. Recent rain has provided some relief, but the overall climate and weather conditions remain conducive to fire spread[5].

Citations

['https://www.ncagr.gov/news/press-releases/2025/04/02/daily-update-black-cove-complex', 'https://farmonaut.com/usa/north-carolina-wildfires-critical-updates-on-black-cove-complex-and-containment-strategies/', 'https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/where-are-the-wildfires-in-north-carolina-map-locations-and-evacuation-updates-101743027558958.html', 'https://www.hendersoncountync.gov/em/page/wildfire-updates', 'https://www.wfmynews2.com/article/weather/weather-impact/western-north-carolina-wildfires-latest-rain-brings-relief-black-cove-deep-woods-fish-hook-fires/83-d255dce7-7dfb-4ddb-867e-ff58b54a15f9']