Wildfire Surge Hits Western North Carolina: Over 600 Fires Reported in 10 Days
By Marge | Published 2026-04-01T14:55:19.391Z
News
Location: North Carolina, Mitchell County, Clay County, Haywood County, McDowell County, Poplar, Hayesville
WNC firefighters battle wildfires across the region. High fire danger persists. Poplar Fire 80% contained. Stay updated on the latest.
WNC -- April 1, 2026: Spring wildfire season has taken a dangerous turn across North Carolina. The N.C. Forest Service reports that since March 20, 2026, rangers have responded to 626 wildfires statewide. Despite a strict statewide burn ban that took effect on March 28, at least 114 new fires have ignited since the restrictions began.Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler confirmed this morning that not a single fire started since the ban was enacted was caused by lightning. "That leaves most,
Keywords: wildfires, North Carolina, firefighters, WNC, Poplar Fire, Tarkiln Ridge Fire, fire danger, Appalachian Trail