Statewide burn ban issued for North Carolina due to hazardous forest fire conditions

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - The N.C. Forest Service issued a ban on all open burning and canceled all burning permits statewide effective 6 p.m. Saturday due to increased wildfire risk.

The ban will remain in effect until further notice.

“With drought severity across the state, forecast fire weather and the potential for limited rainfall, it is critical to reduce the number of new fire starts,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler.

Troxler said a burn ban for all 100 counties is necessary to reduce the number of wildfires across the landscape.

Under North Carolina law, the ban prohibits all open burning statewide, regardless of whether a permit was previously issued. The issuance of any new permits has 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 those 100 feet.

Local fire departments and law enforcement officers are assisting the N.C. Forest Service in enforcing the burn ban.

What is prohibited

Open burning includes burning leaves, branches or other plant material. Burning trash, lumber, tires, newspapers, plastics or other nonvegetative material is illegal.

More than 100 feet from an occupied dwelling, fire pits, outdoor fireplaces and burning barrels are considered open burning and are subject to the burn ban.

Campfires are considered open burning and are not exempt from the ban. Fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices are prohibited during the ban and are not allowed in any county while the ban is in effect.

What is allowed

Grills and barbecues may still be used if no other local ordinances prohibit their use. Portable gas stoves or grills are alternate methods for cooking food while camping.

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.

Residents should call 911 to report a wildfire.