6 months after Hurricane Helene, Western North Carolina hit by wildfires

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - A region devastated by the impacts of Hurricane Helene in September was hit by more severe weather six months later. This time, wildfires tore through the region.

Polk County’s Black Cove Complex fires started on March 19 and 20 and have since been named the “highest priority” in the Southeastern United States, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.

--> Also read: 6 months since Helene: Watch our North Carolina coverage here

Wildfire data provided by the North Carolina Forest Service showed that by March 27, more than 8,631 acres of the state were on fire. More than 6,000 of those acres came from Polk County alone.

The Black Cove Complex spread into Henderson County on March 25.

The next day, Governor Josh Stein declared a State of Emergency.

--> Also read: North Carolina under State of Emergency as wildfires grow

Meanwhile, much of Western North Carolina continued rebuilding through the first few months of 2025, with longer still to go after Hurricane Helene – then Tropical Storm Helene – hit the area in September 2024.

More than 100 deaths were to blame for the storm in North Carolina alone with countless homes, buildings and roads destroyed.

--> Also read: Remembering Helene victims: Names of people killed in North Carolina

Interstate 40 into Tennessee shut down for months, only partially reopening in March.

Concert for Carolina, a major music event hosted by country music star and North Carolinian Luke Combs, raised more than $24.5 million for Helene Survivors.

Luke Combs, another Tar Heel State native and country music star, raised more than $11 million in a charity concert, to be used to purchase land in Avery County for survivors to rebuild

--> Also read: Country singer’s foundation to break ground on construction for Helene survivors

You can keep up with the latest Helene and wildfire updates by downloading the free WBTV News app today.

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