MITCHELL COUNTY -- March 24, 2026: Firefighting crews are currently battling the Poplar Fire, a wildfire on U.S. Forest Service (USFS) land that has grown to approximately 100 acres as of Tuesday morning.
According to the Mitchell County Fire Marshal and Emergency Management, the blaze has a potential spread area of up to 275 acres. Firefighters have achieved 20% containment so far, though operations remain intensive.
Road Closures and Traffic Impacts
Due to active daytime firefighting operations and the use of aircraft support, NC Highway 197 is closed today beyond the intersection of Poplar Creek Road. Officials state the road will remain closed to all through traffic to ensure the safety of ground crews and allow for unobstructed aerial water drops.
Protection of Structures
While no structures are currently under direct threat from the flames, emergency responders are taking no chances. Two structures in the vicinity are being proactively protected by Bradshaw Fire and Rescue as a precautionary measure.
Unified Command
A unified command has been established to manage the incident, bringing together resources from multiple agencies:
United States Forest Service (USFS)
North Carolina Forest Service (NCFS)
Mitchell County Emergency Management (MCEM)
Bradshaw Fire and Rescue
The cause of the fire has not yet been released. Residents in the area may see significant smoke throughout the day and are encouraged to monitor local air quality reports.
Update Schedule: Mitchell County Emergency Management expects to provide the next official update by 6:00 PM this evening.