Last Updated on March 29, 2026 9:58 pm
Multiple wildfires are burning across the High Country region Sunday evening as dry and breezy conditions continue to fuel fire activity throughout western North Carolina. The NC Forest Service statewide burn ban remains in effect for all 100 counties until further notice.
Avery County Fire
A wildfire burning in Avery County reached 60 percent containment Sunday evening — a significant improvement after being reported with zero containment earlier in the day. The fire, logged as incident 2602004886, has burned approximately 30 acres. A photo shared Sunday afternoon showing smoke visible from the Hanging Rock overlook, with Sugar Mountain ski slopes visible in the background, illustrated the fire's proximity to the community.
Wilkes County Fires
Two wildfires were burning in Wilkes County Sunday evening. The larger fire, incident 2602004895, has burned 140 acres with zero percent containment as of Sunday evening — making it the most active fire in the High Country region. A second Wilkes County fire, incident 2602004903, has burned approximately 45 acres and reached 15 percent containment as of 8:39 p.m. Sunday, up from zero percent earlier in the day.
Mitchell County — Poplar Fire
The Poplar Fire in Mitchell County held at 80 percent containment Sunday. The fire, burning approximately one mile north of Poplar in the Appalachian Ranger District of the Pisgah National Forest, has burned 350 acres since it was first reported March 23. Twenty-nine personnel remain on scene.
Firefighters continued improving road access to the fire area Sunday. If conditions remain favorable, personnel are expected to begin rehabilitating containment lines. The fire is burning in an area heavily affected by Hurricane Helene, where downed trees have contributed to increased wildfire intensity. Smoke may remain visible from the communities of Poplar, Erwin, and surrounding areas.
The Appalachian Trail near Indian Grave Gap (NOBO mile 352.9) remains impacted. A Temporary Flight Restriction is in effect over the Poplar Fire area — no drones or aircraft are permitted.
Mitchell County Smoke Advisory
Mitchell County Emergency Management advised Sunday that increased smoke may be visible in parts of the county, particularly in the Grassy Creek and Spruce Pine areas, due to wildfires burning in neighboring McDowell County.
Burn Ban and Fire Danger
The NC Forest Service statewide burn ban, issued Saturday evening, remains in effect for all 100 North Carolina counties until further notice. All open burning is illegal under the ban. Violations carry a $100 fine plus $183 in court costs. Anyone responsible for starting a fire may also be liable for suppression costs.
The National Weather Service issued an Increased Fire Danger advisory for Watauga, Ashe, and surrounding northwest NC counties from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, with afternoon winds gusting 15 to 25 mph and humidity values dropping to 17 to 25 percent.
For air quality information, visit fire.airnow.gov. Call 911 to report any wildfire activity.
📋 NC Forest Service | US Forest Service | Mitchell County Emergency Management
