After a period of high and very fire danger along parts of the coastal plain, the entire region is now facing a moderate risk with lower risks forecast for next week, thanks to recent and expected rains.
Still, officials in Brunswick County announced Friday that a burn ban is in effect, and North Carolina Forest Service officials are discouraging outdoor burning as hot, dry conditions persist across much of the state.
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The burn ban does not apply to any open burning permits issued by the North Carolina Forest Service or permitted fireworks displays scheduled for the week of July 4.
“Outdoor burning and at-home fireworks are discouraged until your area receives substantial, soaking rain,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler, who also noted Thursday that agricultural growth conditions continue to deteriorate statewide. “Fire danger is high. Fuels can ignite quickly, and unattended fires are likely to escape and spread in a hurry. We understand fireworks are a major part of Independence Day celebrations and festivities, and that’s why we’re encouraging folks to attend professional fireworks displays rather than conducting their own.”
Brunswick County officials noted the hot weather, drought conditions and high fire danger index rating. Current and future weather forecast models indicate conditions that are not favorable for open burning. City or town residents should contact their municipal officials related burning.
The burn ban was issued for the unincorporated areas of Brunswick County effective 8 a.m. Friday, June 28 and until 8 a.m. Monday, July 8. All burning within 100 feet of an occupied structure is banned.
The county referenced safety tips available from the fire marshal’s office.
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For questions about the burn ban, call 910.253.2021.
Check your danger
Residents across North Carolina can check their local daily fire danger via North Carolina State University’s interactive map. The state map is based on rating used as a National Fire Danger Rating System parameter describing environmental conditions that can could cause fires to ignite and spread.
The rating values are averaged across the North Carolina Forest Service’s multicounty Fire Danger Rating Areas. These areas are regions with similar topography, vegetation and climate.
While there was not a state issued burn ban in place Friday, one may be needed if dry conditions worsen or fail to improve, officials said this week. Continue to check for burn bans or fire restrictions in your area.
“Anytime we’re experiencing prolonged dry conditions and increased fire danger, the conversation as to whether or not to implement a burn ban, when to implement it and where, is taking place,” said North Carolina Forest Service Assistant Commissioner Greg Hicks. “Those conversations have been happening for a while now and will continue to happen as we look at conditions on a day-to-day basis.”
Residents with questions regarding a specific county can contact their NCFS county ranger’s office, their county fire marshal’s office or local fire department to ensure you are not violating any open burning regulations.
