NCFS Fire Information Update: Poplar Drive Fire

North Carolina Forest Service -- November 7, 2023: Fire Information Evening Update: Poplar Drive Fire

The Poplar Drive Fire in Henderson County is now 15% contained. Percent containment represents sections of fire line that pose no escape risk without further action from firefighters. The fire remains 431 acres. Firefighters are working to improve and reinforce existing control lines around the fire. Two drop tanks for water have been placed in critical areas to aid in extinguishing the smoldering fire. More water tendering resources will be assigned to the fire in the coming days.

The fire continues to back, creep and smolder within the fire imprint, indicating low-intensity fire activity. Firefighting personnel continue to provide structure protection and hold, strengthen and mop up containment lines. Potential for fire reignition is elevated due to leaf fall and snags.

Two homes and an outbuilding have been lost, while another home sustained damage. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Two firefighters sustained minor injuries and both were treated and released.

Personnel with the N.C. Forest Service, N.C. Emergency Management, Office of State Fire Marshal, Henderson County Emergency Management, Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, Edneyville Fire Department along with numerous fire departments are responding to the incident.

The public is reminded to keep drones away from wildfires. While drones provide unique opportunities for aerial video and imagery of wildfire activity, they are unauthorized. Flying a drone near or around a wildfire compromises the safety of pilots and interferes with firefighting efforts.

The N.C. Forest Service has issued a ban on all open burning and has canceled all burning permits for Burke, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Graham, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain and Transylvania counties effective 5 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 5, until further notice. For more information about the ban on open burning, read the news release.

For Poplar Drive Fire updates, click here

Acreage: 431 acres; Containment: 15%; Personnel and Equipment: 222 total personnel