Three major wildfires have consumed over 4,000 acres and forced mandatory evacuations in western North Carolina, which was devastated by Hurricane Helene last September.
The New York Times reported on Monday that over 4,000 acres have been consumed in the North Carolina wildfires. According to Fox Weather, the three main wildfires currently raging throughout North Carolina include the Black Cove, Deep Woods, and Fish Hook wildfires in Polk County.
Fox Weather reported that the Black Cove Fire, which started last Wednesday due to a downed power line, was at 0% containment as of Sunday afternoon and had burned 2,076 acres. The outlet noted that the Deep Woods Fire was also at 0% containment as of Sunday afternoon and had burned 1,802 acres, while the Fish Hook Fire was at 50% containment and had burned 199 acres.
Videos shared on X, formerly Twitter, show the massive wildfires raging throughout multiple communities in North Carolina.
Videos shared on social media also show smoke rising from the wildfires as emergency crews attempt to contain the fires.
According to Fox Weather, North Carolina officials confirmed that multiple evacuation orders have been issued in the areas surrounding the Deep Woods Fire and the Black Cove Fire.
The Associated Press reported that the North Carolina Department of Public Safety announced mandatory executions on Saturday for various parts of Polk County beginning at 8:20 p.m.
In a post on X, North Carolina Emergency Management wrote, “Attn Polk County- Mandatory Evacuation Order in Place for ALL Piney Gate Residents! Visibility in area will be reduced and roads/evacuation routes can become blocked; if you do not leave now, you could be trapped, injured, or killed.”
North Carolina Emergency Management also announced the designation of a shelter location in Columbus, North Carolina. Additionally, North Carolina Emergency Management announced expanded evacuation orders for Polk County on Sunday night.
READ MORE: Videos/Pic: Mysterious green flames erupt from manhole, force evacuations
In addition to the North Carolina wildfire evacuations, Gov. Henry McMaster (R-S.C.) declared a state of emergency on Saturday as firefighters battled the Table Rock Fire in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
“As this wildfire continues to spread, the State of Emergency allows us to mobilize resources quickly and ensure our firefighters have the support they need to protect lives and property,” McMaster said. “Given the elevated risk of wildfires throughout the state, the statewide burning ban will remain in effect until further notice. Anyone who violates this ban can and will go to jail.”
