ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Wildfire activity in Polk County is escalating, prompting officials to upgrade evacuation levels.

More mandatory evacuations have been issued for the Holbert Cove area, Rixhaven and Miller Mountain have been upgraded to Level 2 and downtown Saluda is now at Level 1.

County officials said people in the area from 2456-6159 Holbert Cove Road, including Coyote Ridge, Cozy Cove Lane. Echo Lane, Glen Echo Circle, Sam’s Gap Lane, Scout Camp Road and Who Drive have been elevated to Level 3 – GO (Red). Residents were asked to evacuate immediately using designated routes.

Visibility in the area will be reduced, and roads/evacuation routes can become blocked, officials warned. If you do not leave now, you could be trapped or injured. IF you are unable to evacuate, call 911.

Rixhaven and Miller Mountain communities have been elevated to Level 2 – SET (Yellow). Residents should be ready to leave at a moment’s notice, ensuring essential items, medications, and important documents are packed. Plans for evacuating pets and livestock should also be in place.

Downtown Saluda has been elevated to Level 1 – READY (Green). While no immediate evacuation is required, residents should stay prepared, develop an evacuation plan and monitor official updates.

Current wildfire conditions

Black Cove Fire – 3,052 acres, 17% containment, approximately 55 homes evacuated

  • 7 homes destroyed
  • 1 home significantly damaged
  • 7 outbuildings destroyed
  • Fire remains highly active in the steep terrain of the Green River Gorge.

Mandatory evacuations:

  • 1091-1528 Green River Cove Road
  • Big Hungry Road
  • Deer Trail
  • English Heifer Cove Road
  • Lady Slipper Trail
  • Scarlets Mountain Road
  • Spurgeon Cove Lane

Deep Woods Fire – 3,231 acres, 11% containment, approximately 197 homes evacuated

  • 1 home destroyed
  • 3 outbuildings destroyed

Mandatory evacuations:

  • 2456-7265 Holbert Cove Road
  • Charity Branch Drive
  • Coyote Ridge Lane
  • Cozy Cove Lane
  • Deep Woods Lane
  • Echo Lane
  • Fox Paw Lane
  • Gamelands Trail
  • Glen Echo Circle
  • Moonshine Trace
  • Oakview Lane
  • Piney Gate Road
  • Piney Overlook Lane
  • Sam’s Gap Lane
  • Scout Camp Road
  • Wesley Lane
  • Who Drive
  • Windsong Lane
  • Volley Way

Fish Hook Fire – 199 acres, 86% containment, 0 homes evacuated

  • 3 homes destroyed
  • 1 outbuilding destroyed

State of Emergency declared for Polk County, Saluda

Polk County and the city of Saluda have declared a State of Emergency in response to the wildfire threat. This declaration enables officials to access additional resources, coordinate emergency response efforts and implement protective measures. It also grants authorities the ability to issue evacuation orders, restrict access to hazardous areas and request state or federal assistance if conditions worsen.

Critical conditions

Polk County remains under an NCDEQ Unhealthy Air Quality Alert, indicating that smoke and particulate matter pose significant health risks, particularly for children, seniors and individuals with respiratory conditions. Residents should limit outdoor activities, keep windows closed, and use air filters when possible.

A Red Flag Warning remains in effect because of high winds, low humidity and dry fuels, creating extreme fire danger. Open burning is strictly prohibited, and residents should avoid any activities that could spark new fires.

Firefighting efforts

More than 300 firefighters are working to contain the wildfire, focusing on fire behavior, weather patterns and strategic control measures. A heavy emphasis is being placed on the Interstate 26 boundary lines to prevent the spread into additional areas.

Click here to check the Evacuation Map for real-time updates.