Progress and Challenges: Poplar Fire Reaches 300 Acres

MITCHELL COUNTY -- March 26, 2026: Firefighting efforts continue in the Appalachian Ranger District as the Poplar Fire expanded to 300 acres by the morning of March 26, 2026. Despite the growth in size, crews have successfully increased containment to 40%, battling steep terrain and a massive amount of dry debris.Fuel for the FireThe primary challenge for the 60+ personnel on the ground is the landscape. The area was heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene, leaving a dense layer of fallen timber th