DEEP WOODS

1. Start Time & Info

**Start Date/Time/Location** The Deep Woods Fire, part of the Black Cove Complex, is located about 5 miles northwest of Columbus in Polk County, North Carolina. The exact start date is not specified, but it is mentioned that the fires in the Black Cove Complex began around March 19, with the Black Cove Fire starting due to a downed power line. The cause of the Deep Woods Fire is still under investigation[2][3][4]. **Size and Containment** As of April 2, 2025, the Deep Woods Fire has burned approximately 3,979 acres and is 63% contained[4][5]. **Growth and Rate of Spread** The fire has been fueled by challenging weather conditions, including low humidity and strong winds. The terrain, particularly the Green River Gorge and Holbert Cove community, has presented unique challenges for firefighters. Despite these conditions, the fire's growth has been managed through strategic firefighting efforts[2][3][4]. **Containment Efforts** Firefighters have utilized 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. The North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, along with various other agencies, has mobilized a significant force, with approximately 393 personnel currently involved in fighting the fires[2][3][4].

2. Evacuations & Closures

**Evacuations and Sheltering:** **Mandatory Evacuation Orders** While there are no current evacuation notices in Henderson County as of April 1, 2025, areas such as Knight Road in Henderson County were previously under mandatory evacuation orders. The Summer Haven area remains in the "Green (Ready)" level, and a portion of the Maybank zone in both Henderson and Polk Counties remains in the "Yellow (Set)" level[1][5]. **Evacuation Warnings** Residents in certain zones are advised to be prepared for potential evacuations. An interactive evacuation map is available for Henderson County residents to check their evacuation levels[5]. **Evacuation Shelters and Information** The Emergency Shelter at 708 South Grove Street in Hendersonville closed on March 31, 2025. Residents can sign up for Henderson County Emergency Alerts to receive critical wildfire updates[5]. **Estimated Number of People Impacted** The exact number of people impacted is not specified, but the fires have affected several residential communities, including those along Macedonia Road and Knight Road[1]. **Road and Infrastructure Closures:** - There are no specific road closures mentioned directly related to the Deep Woods Fire, but residents are advised to avoid non-essential travel to allow firefighters room to work. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place to ensure safety for firefighting aircraft[3][4]. **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 fires have threatened numerous structures, with specific numbers not provided for the Deep Woods Fire alone. However, over 13,000 structures were initially threatened across the Black Cove Complex[2]. **Community Impact** The fires have affected communities in Polk and Henderson counties, with residents experiencing smoke and flames in the vicinity. The area near the Green River, which was previously damaged by Hurricane Helene, is particularly vulnerable[1][2]. **Safety Concerns** A statewide ban on open burning is in effect due to the extreme fire danger. Air quality is a concern, with the N.C. Division of Air Quality publishing daily forecasts. Residents are advised to stay informed and monitor air quality updates[3][5].

4. Current Outlook

**Containment Projections** Progress continues to be made toward reaching full containment of the Deep Woods Fire, with current containment at 63%. Firefighters have been successful in locating and extinguishing remaining smoke sources, and resources are being released as needs lessen[4]. **Weather and Wind Warnings** While recent weather conditions have been favorable, with high humidity and minimal winds, the area remains susceptible to changes in weather. Strong winds and low humidity can quickly exacerbate fire conditions[2][3][4].

5. Weather info

**Cause** The cause of the Deep Woods Fire is currently under investigation, unlike the Black Cove Fire which was caused by a downed power line[2][3][4]. **Weather and Climate** The fires are being fueled by challenging weather conditions, including low humidity and strong winds. The area's terrain and the presence of hurricane-damaged timber from Hurricane Helene have increased the risk of wildfires. The ongoing dry and humid weather conditions contribute to the rapid spread of the fires[2][3].

Citations

['https://wlos.com/news/local/mandatory-evacuation-firefighters-residents-potential-merger-black-cove-deep-woods-fires-nc-forest-service', 'https://farmonaut.com/usa/north-carolina-wildfires-critical-updates-on-black-cove-complex-and-containment-strategies/', 'https://www.ncagr.gov/news/press-releases/2025/03/30/evening-update-black-cove-complex', 'https://www.ncagr.gov/news/press-releases/2025/04/02/daily-update-black-cove-complex', 'https://www.hendersoncountync.gov/em/page/wildfire-updates']