News

Wildfire now 15% contained

By Lightning Reports, Published: November 8, 2023

The Poplar Drive Fire in Henderson County is now 15 percent contained, covers 431 acres and had drawn 222 firefighters and other personnel from across North Carolina and beyond to the battle.

Percent containment represents sections of fire line that pose no escape risk without further action from firefighters. 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 a shed 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 other 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 on Sunday 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. Although an Orange Air Quality Alert has been issued for Hendersonville, air quality is expected to improve in the coming days.

For Poplar Drive Fire updates, visit https://www.ncforestservice.gov/fire_control/sit_report.htm or follow the N.C. Forest Service on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NCForestService.