Crews Battle Two Wildfires in Western North Carolina Mountains

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Fire crews are working to contain two wildfires in Western North Carolina, with the Poplar Fire burning 343 acres and the Tarkiln Ridge Fire burning 400 acres. The Poplar Fire is 40% contained, while the Tarkiln Ridge Fire is 30% contained. Firefighters are conducting strategic operations to increase containment, but smoke remains visible in nearby communities and some road closures are still in effect.

Why it matters

Wildfires in the Western North Carolina mountains can pose a significant threat to local communities, infrastructure, and natural resources. These two fires have already caused road closures and smoke impacts, and continued efforts to contain them are crucial to protect public safety and minimize further damage.

The details

The Poplar Fire, located one mile north of Poplar, North Carolina, began on March 23 and is currently 40% contained. Firefighters are patrolling the fire's edge and conducting strategic firing operations to remove unburned fuels. The Tarkiln Ridge Fire, located five miles northwest of Hayesville, North Carolina, was caused by a lightning strike and is 30% contained. Crews are working to secure constructed firelines and extinguish spot fires along the southern edge of the fire.

• The Poplar Fire was reported on March 23, 2026.
• The Tarkiln Ridge Fire was first responded to on March 23, 2026, after smoke reports from a lightning strike over the weekend.

What’s next

Firefighters will continue their efforts to increase containment of both the Poplar and Tarkiln Ridge fires in the coming days, with a focus on securing control lines and extinguishing hot spots to prevent further spread.