RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — The North Carolina Forest Service has issued a burn ban for the entire state of North Carolina, effective 8 a.m. Friday, March 21 until further notice.
This means there is a ban on all opening burning, and all burning permits have been canceled. Regardless of whether a burn permit was previously issued, this ban prohibits any open burning until the ban has been lifted.
This is the first time since 2021 that the entire state has been under a burn ban. Humans are the number one cause of wildfires in North Carolina.
Anyone caught violating the burn ban faces a $100 fine in addition to $183 in court fees. Additionally, anyone found responsible for setting a fire may be found liable for any expenses tied to fire suppression efforts.
Local fire departments and law enforcement officers are assisting the state Forest Service in enforcing the burn ban. If you have any questions regarding your specific county, you can contact your local Forest Service ranger or county fire marshal's office.
“It is spring wildfire season in North Carolina, and we are seeing wildfire activity increase due to dry conditions,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “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."
Fore more information about fire control and prevention, check out the Forest Service's website.