One year later, Polk County reflects on Black Cove Complex wildfires

One year later, Polk County reflects on Black Cove Complex wildfires

POLK COUNTY—One year after wildfires ignited near Saluda and Mill Spring, spreading and eventually burning thousands of acres, Polk County residents are reflecting on the Black Cove Complex and the broader emergency that unfolded in March 2025. On March 19, 2025, the Black Cove and Deep Woods fires sparked under dangerous conditions and quickly grew. Within days, the two blazes merged, forming what became known as the Black Cove Complex—at one p…