C. Forest Service has issued a ban on all open
burning and has canceled all burning permits statewide effective 8 a.m. Friday, March 21 until
further notice.
“It is spring wildfire season in North Carolina, and we are seeing wildfire activity increase
due to dry conditions,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “With these ongoing
conditions, a statewide burn ban is necessary to reduce the risk of wildfires starting and spreading
quickly. Our top priority is always to protect lives, property and forestland across the state. It is
imperative that folks adhere to this burn ban until further notice.”
Under North Carolina law, the ban prohibits all open burning in the affected counties,
regardless of whether a permit was previously issued. The issuance of any new permits has also
been suspended until the ban is lifted. Anyone violating the burn ban faces a $100 fine plus $183
court costs. Any person responsible for setting a fire may be liable for any expenses related to
extinguishing the fire.
The burn ban does not apply to fires started within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. The
local fire marshal has authority to issue a burn ban within that 100 feet.
Local fire departments and law enforcement officers are assisting the N.C. Forest Service
in enforcing the burn ban.
The N.C. Forest Service will continue to monitor conditions. Residents with questions
regarding a specific county can contact their N.C. Forest Service county ranger or their county
fire marshal’s office.