On Sunday, Polk County, North Carolina, faced an escalating emergency as at least two wildfires, each exceeding 1,000 acres, burned uncontained. The situation prompted local authorities to issue a mandatory evacuation order for several areas in the county due to increasingly perilous conditions. The North Carolina Department of Public Safety announced this evacuation at 8:20 p.m. on Saturday, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
While the exact number of residents affected by the evacuation order remains unclear, officials emphasized the serious risks associated with remaining in the area. Social media updates from local authorities warned that “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.” These warnings underscored the critical nature of the ongoing wildfires.
As of Sunday morning, the North Carolina Forest Service reported three active wildfires within Polk County. The two largest fires, known as Black Cove and Deep Wood, were recorded at 1,239 acres and 1,100 acres, respectively, and were at zero percent containment. A third fire, which spans 152 acres, has made some progress with 50 percent containment.
Kellie Cannon, a spokeswoman for Polk County, addressed the media on Sunday afternoon, stating that the Black Cove and Deep Wood fires are nearing each other, separated only by a road. This proximity raises concerns about the potential for the fires to merge, exacerbating the already critical situation.
In addition to fire dangers, a code red air quality alert has been issued for the county, indicating that the smoke from the wildfires is exceptionally dense. Cannon noted that this alert signifies that the air is unhealthy for anyone who is exposed, amplifying the urgency for residents to evacuate the area.
As the situation continues to develop, local officials are working tirelessly to manage the wildfires and ensure the safety of residents. For those in Polk County, it is crucial to heed evacuation orders and stay informed through official channels for updates on the wildfires and air quality conditions.
