Carolina Wildfires Rage: Table Rock Complex Tops 10,000 Acres, Evacuations Underway

Widespread Wildfires Strain Carolina Resources

Fueled by persistent dry weather and strong winds, multiple wildfires ignited and spread rapidly across the foothills and mountains of North and South Carolina in late March 2025. The situation is particularly severe in Upstate South Carolina, where the Table Rock Complex fire has become a major incident.

The Table Rock Complex:

Originating as two separate fires (Table Rock and Persimmon Ridge) in Pickens and Greenville counties, the complex quickly grew, surpassing 10,600 acres. This combined size makes it larger than the 2016 Pinnacle Mountain Fire, previously the largest and costliest in the Upstate's history. Crews initially faced 0% containment due to extreme fire behavior driven by wind gusts and dry fuels. Containment lines are being established, particularly on the eastern side to protect homes, but the fire expanded significantly westward and northward, reaching the North Carolina state line.

North Carolina Fires:

Simultaneously, North Carolina is battling several blazes. In Polk County, the Black Cove Complex (Black Cove, Deep Woods, Fishhook fires) has burned over 6,500 acres near the Green River. While some containment progress was reported (Black Cove 17%, Deep Woods 30%, Fishhook 95% contained), escalating activity prompted upgraded evacuation levels. Other significant fires include a 1,000-acre blaze in Swain County and the 600+ acre Rattlesnake Branch Fire in Haywood County.

Compounding Crises:

The fires strike just six months after Hurricane Helene devastated many of these same areas. Downed trees and damaged roads from the hurricane are severely hampering firefighter access, requiring crews to spend significant time clearing paths before even beginning containment efforts. Residents, many still recovering from the floods, face renewed stress and displacement.

Response Efforts:

A massive, multi-agency response is underway, involving hundreds of personnel from state forestry commissions, federal services, and local fire departments. Air support is critical, with helicopters dropping water and air tankers deploying fire retardant. Notably, a Very Large Air Tanker (VLAT) was used for the first time in South Carolina history on the Persimmon Ridge fire. A statewide burn ban remains in effect, and residents are urged not to fly drones near fire zones.

Who This Affects Most:

Which areas are under evacuation orders?

Specific zones in Pickens and Greenville counties (SC) near the Table Rock Complex, and areas in Polk and Transylvania counties (NC) near the Black Cove Complex and where the Table Rock fire is spreading north. Check official county emergency management updates for detailed maps and road names.

What is causing the fires?

While the cause of the Deep Woods fire is under investigation, the Black Cove and Fishhook fires in Polk County were reportedly caused by downed power lines. Dry conditions, low humidity, high winds, and abundant fuel (including hurricane debris) are contributing to rapid spread.

How can I stay safe and informed?

Monitor official sources like county emergency management websites and social media, local news outlets, and the SC Forestry Commission. Sign up for emergency alerts if available in your county. Heed all evacuation warnings immediately. Limit outdoor exposure if you are in an area with smoke/poor air quality.

Is there anything I should avoid doing?

Do not start any outdoor fires; a statewide burn ban is in effect. Do not fly drones near wildfire areas, as it interferes with critical air operations and is illegal. Do not return to evacuated areas until officials declare it safe.

The compounding effects of Hurricane Helene and these wildfires highlight the increasing challenges faced by communities in the region. How can preparedness and response be improved for such back-to-back events? Share your thoughts below.

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