Because of increased risk of fire, North Carolina Forest Service officials have issued a ban on all open burning and canceled all burning permits for the state’s 100 counties.
The ban took effect at 8 a.m. Friday. The state agency announced the ban Thursday evening, saying that will be in place until further notice.
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“It is spring wildfire season in North Carolina, and we are seeing wildfire activity increase due to dry conditions,” Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said Thursday in a statement. “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.”
Local fire departments and law enforcement officers are assisting the N.C. Forest Service in enforcing the burn ban, officials said.
The burn ban does not apply to fires started within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. County fire marshals have the authority to issue a burn ban within that distance. Brunswick, Carteret and New Hanover counties announced Friday morning local burn bans within 100 feet of any structure.
Under North Carolina law, the ban prohibits all open burning in all 100 counties in this instance, 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.
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N.C. Forest Service officials said they will continue to monitor conditions.
Residents with questions regarding a specific county are encouraged to contact their N.C. Forest Service county ranger or their county fire marshal’s office.
