Western North Carolina -- March 30, 2026: Here is the most current update on active fires:
High Priority: Jumping Branch Fire (McDowell County)
Status: Active/Critical
Size:175 acres
Containment:0%
Update: This fire continues to be the primary concern. It is burning between Locust Cove Road and Sugar Cove Road near Marion. Over 200 personnel and multiple aircraft are actively engaged in structure protection along the Highway 80 corridor. Heavy smoke is impacting visibility in the area.
Active Wildfires
Poplar Fire (Mitchell County):
Size: 350 acres
Containment:80% (Significant progress made over the weekend).
Update: Burning in the Pisgah National Forest (one mile north of Poplar). Firefighters are patrolling for hot spots. Large amounts of downed timber from Tropical Storm Helene are fueling the intensity, but road closures on NC 197 and Poplar Road have been lifted.
Tarkiln Ridge Fire (Clay/Cherokee Counties):
Size: 407 acres
Containment:90%
Update: Located five miles northwest of Hayesville in the Nantahala National Forest. This fire is currently in "patrol status," meaning crews are monitoring the perimeter with no active spread reported today.
Contained & Monitoring
Black Balsam Fire (Haywood County):
Size: 5 acres
Containment:75%
Update: Located southeast of the Blue Ridge Parkway near Waynesville. Portions of the Parkway and nearby trails that were closed have begun to reopen as of yesterday afternoon.
Nix Creek Road Fire (Haywood County):
Size: 45 acres
Containment:100%
Update: The fire is contained and crews are monitoring the area.
Regional Alerts
Statewide Burn Ban: Effective since Saturday evening, all open burning is prohibited in all 100 N.C. counties. This includes fire pits and campfires.
Road Hazards: The National Weather Service warns that smoke may settle in valleys tonight, particularly near the Jumping Branch and Poplar fires. Drivers on Hwy 80 and US 19W should use caution.