Asheville, N.C. – USDA Forest Service firefighters are currently responding to two wildfires in western North Carolina: the Poplar Fire on the Appalachian Ranger District of the Pisgah National Forest and the lightning-caused Tarkiln Ridge Fire on the Tusquitee Ranger District of Nantahala National Forest. The nearly 100-acre Poplar Fire is located north of Poplar, North Carolina, along the east side of NC-197 in Mitchell County. The cause of the fire is under investigation. The fire is burning in an area heavily affected by Hurricane Helene, where an extensive number of downed trees are contributing to increased wildfire intensity and risk. …The Tarkiln Ridge Fire is burning in rugged terrain northwest of Hayesville, North Carolina, in Clay County near Fires Creek. Crews first responded to the fire on Monday, March 23, in an area that was previously identified as a future prescribed fire unit for hazardous fuels reduction.