Statewide burn ban lifted

The North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources has lifted the state-wide burning ban.

Even though the ban has been lifted across the state, each county can decide whether or not it wants to lift the ban in that area. The move is designed to allow people to burn off forest debris that can fuel wildfires. Pender County has decided to lift its ban, meaning burning is allowed there.

But fire officials urge you to be extra-careful if you decide to burn. You should have hoses tools, and buckets of water on hand to keep the fire under control.

New Hanover and Brunswick Counties are keeping their bans in place. In fact, the Fire Marshals from both counties said they can’t understand why the state would lift the ban. There is a red flag warning in effect because of high winds. And even with the recent rainfall, we are still experiencing drought conditions.

“Within 100 feet of structure, the only burning should be charcoal and propane grills for cooking. So if you’re within 100 feet, there is no burning of leaves or yard debris inside an area that’s controled by the county,” says Brunswick County Fire Marshal Scott Garner.

The North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources says recent rains provided enough precipitation to make open burning safe.