3 wildfires in Polk County, North Carolina prompt evacuations, statewide burn ban
Polk County, North Carolina, residents were ordered to evacuate after a string of wildfires destroyed hundreds of acres in the area.
Just before 9 p.m. on Thursday, a local official said that three fires_− Black Cove Fire, Deepwoods Fire and Fish Hook Fire − were burning in the county.
According to county public information officer Kellie Cannon, the Black Cove Fire is 0% contained, burning 418 acres. WBTV reported that it started due to a fallen powerline.
The Deepwoods Fire, also 0% contained, has damaged one structure and has reached 216 acres, Cannon said.
"Fire crews are diligently working on both the Black Cove Fire and the Deepwoods Fire," the Polk County government said."They are facing challenges due to steep terrain and gusty winds."
Additionally, at least six structures was damaged as a result of the Fish Hook Fire, according to Cannon. More than one hundred acres were burned.
Evacuations were reportedly announced for areas impacted by the Deepwoods and Fish Hook fires.
Polk County is about 85 miles from Charlotte. Paste BN reached out to Cannon for updated information.
Burn ban in effect
According to the North Carolina Forest Service, a statewide burn ban was placed in effect starting Friday morning.
"Under North Carolina law, the ban prohibits all open burning in the affected counties, regardless of whether a permit was previously issued," the agency said in a statement. "The issuance of any new permits has also been suspended until the ban is lifted."
Violators could face court fees and a $100 fine.
Wildfire in South Florida
Fire officials in Florida have been working to stop the blaze that has scorched thousands of acres between Miami and the Florida Keys.
Crews have battled the blaze, "dubbed the 344 Fire," in southeast Miami-Dade County for eight days, with state agencies urging residents and visitors to avoid the U.S. 1 area due to smoke and heavy emergency response.
Map of wildfires in the US
Contributing: Dinah Voyles Pulver, Kimberly Miller, Paste BN NETWORK
Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for Paste BN. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com.