A weekslong, statewide open burning ban in North Carolina has been lifted for 81 counties, including the 20 coastal counties.
The ban was revoked for all but 19 counties in the Piedmont as of 8 a.m. Sunday.
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The North Carolina Forest Service issued the ban on March 28 due to rain-starved conditions felt across the state.
“The recent rainfall has provided some relief and has moderated fire danger enough for us to lift the ban on open burning in 81 counties,” Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler stated in a release. “However, we’re still in the thick of spring wildfire season when conditions can change quickly and frequently. We still need rain to move us forward with drought recovery, improving soil moisture and water levels. Be extremely vigilant with any outdoor burning if you’re in one of the 81 counties no longer under the state-issued ban. Make sure you have a valid burn permit, tools and a water source, and stay with your fire. If you’re in one of the 19 counties still under the state-issued burn ban, be patient and hold off on burning. We need more rain in your area to lift the ban. With the persistent drought, it’s important for all of us to use extreme caution when handling potential ignition sources such as machinery and motorized equipment. When in doubt, lean on your N.C. Forest Service county ranger’s office for guidance and best practices.”
Residents in counties where the burn ban has been lifted may obtain a burn permit from any authorized permitting agent or online at https://apps.ncagr.gov/burnpermits/.
Permits granted before the ban were canceled once the ban went into effect. A valid permit must be obtained.
Residents should check with their local fire marshal’s office to determine whether burning is permitted within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling.
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Contact your local N.C. Forest Service county ranger or fire marshal’s office with questions.
Alamance, Anson, Cabarrus, Chatham, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Gaston, Guilford, Iredell, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Moore, Randolph, Rockingham, Rowan, Stanly, Stokes and Union counties remain under the burn ban until further notice.
For more information about preparing for and preventing wildfires, visit www.preventwildfirenc.org.
