Burn ban still in effect, officials say cleanup crews will be out soon

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Storm clean up is well underway, but burn bans are still in effect in New Hanover and Brunswick counties. The bans are in place indefinitely, until crews can get out to clean up the debris.

Fire crews have been responding to calls all over the area about residents burning debris in their yards. Fire Marshal Ray Griswold says crews will be out in New Hanover starting Monday, but the ban could stick around for a month or two.

New Hanover County Fire says the ban is in place to to keep residents safe, and to limit the amount of air pollution.

“The point of the burn ban is because if everybody burned, we’d be running all over the place. But the biggest thing is air quality. You wouldn’t be able to breathe. There are a lot of people that have got allergies and respiratory problems,” said Griswold.

Griswold says residents should leave debris at the end of their driveway. He says do not mix in mattresses or other items. They are not fining people, but they will ask you to stop burning debris.