The North Carolina Forest Service issued a statewide ban on all open burning and canceled all burning permits, effective 6 p.m. Saturday, March 28, as wildfire risk intensifies across the state.
The ban, which will remain in effect until further notice, comes amid ongoing drought conditions, a heightened fire weather forecast and limited rainfall, officials said.
“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,” Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said. “Vegetative fuels will dry rapidly, and with the amount of fuel loading in the mountains and drought impacts statewide, a burn ban for all 100 counties is necessary to reduce the number of wildfires across our landscape. Please follow this burn ban to help reduce the risk for everyone.”
Under state law, the ban prohibits all open burning statewide, regardless of whether a permit was previously issued. The issuance of any new permits has also been suspended until the ban is lifted. Violators face a $100 fine plus $183 in court costs. Anyone responsible for setting a fire may be liable for expenses related to extinguishing it.
The state 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.
In Jackson and Macon Counties, an additional local ban has been implemented on burning within 100 feet of a dwelling due to current and forecast weather conditions and local circumstances, in accordance with North Carolina Fire Code Section 307.1.1.
“Open burning within 100 feet of a dwelling – including burning leaves, branches or other plant material – is hereby prohibited,” Macon County Emergency Management Director Todd Seagle said. The local ban in Jackson and Macon Counties does not apply to outdoor grilling, but does apply to fire pits and similar open-flame devices.
The North Carolina Forest Service said it has responded to 626 wildfires since March 20. At least 114 of those fires ignited after a statewide ban on open burning took effect on March 28. Troxler said the continued fire activity underscores the urgency of the restrictions.
“The fact that we’ve had more than 100 new fire ignitions during a statewide ban on open burning should reinforce the sense of urgency,” Troxler said. “Not a single one of the wildfires that have started since March 29 were the result of a lightning strike or natural ignition source.”
Officials say that means nearly all recent fires are human-caused, with debris burning remaining the leading source. “While burn bans reduce the number of wildfires, burn bans do not prevent them from happening,” Troxler said. “Careless debris burning continues to be the leading cause of wildfire in this state.”
On the Plateau, the Cashiers-Glenville Fire Department and Highlands Fire & Rescue responded to more than 10 brush fires in March.
The N.C. Forest Service shared additional burn ban information and frequently asked questions.
What is open burning?
Open burning includes burning leaves, branches or other plant material. In all cases, burning trash, lumber, tires, newspapers, plastics or other nonvegetative material is illegal.
May I still use my grill or barbecue?
Yes, if no other local ordinances prohibit their use. Macon County’s local ordinance allows these uses.
Can I still use my fire pit or fireplace outdoors?
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. Within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling, local government agencies have jurisdiction over open burning. Macon County’s local ordinance does prohibit these uses within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling.
Can I have a campfire when I go camping?
Campfires would be considered open burning and are not exempt from the burn ban. During a burn ban, portable gas stoves or grills are alternate methods for cooking food while camping.
Can I use fireworks during a burn ban?
Fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices are prohibited during a burn ban and are not allowed in any county while the burn ban is in effect.
How should I report a wildfire?
Call 911 to report a wildfire.
How should I report a person who intentionally starts a wildfire?
Call 911 to report a wildfire.
Are there other instances which impact open burning?
Local ordinances and air quality regulations may impact open burning. For instance, outdoor burning is prohibited in areas covered by Code Orange or Code Red air quality forecasts. Learn more about air quality forecasts on the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s website.
What can I do to protect my house against the risk of wildfire?
Learn about wildfire risk assessments, preparedness and prevention plans on the following N.C. Forest Service webpages: Wildland Urban Interface and Resist Wildfire.
- Josh Bryson
editor@highlandsnews.com