Last Updated on March 30, 2026 4:13 pm
Updated 4 p.m. Monday, March 30
The large Wilkes County wildfire continued to grow Monday afternoon, reaching 620 acres with 20 percent containment as of a 2:19 p.m. update — nearly doubling from the 350 acres reported at 7:30 a.m. It remains the most active uncontrolled fire in the region.
The smaller Wilkes County fire reached 90 percent containment Monday afternoon, up from 15 percent Sunday evening.
The Elk Park Fire in Avery County showed 95 percent containment on the NC Forest Service public viewer as of a 3:13 p.m. update. Avery County Emergency Management confirmed the fire was 100 percent contained earlier Monday morning after speaking with the NC Forest Service. Some smoldering continues and smoke may be visible for several more days.
The Poplar Fire in Mitchell County remains at 80 percent containment and 350 acres, unchanged from earlier reports. The Temporary Flight Restriction over the Poplar Fire area remains in effect — no drones or aircraft are permitted.
The NC Forest Service statewide burn ban remains in effect for all 100 North Carolina counties until further notice. All open burning is illegal. Call 911 to report any wildfire activity. For air quality information, visit fire.airnow.gov.
📋 NC Forest Service
