North Carolina issues statewide burn ban amid wildfire risk

LELAND, NC (WWAY)– State officials have issued a statewide ban on open burning as wildfire risk increases across North Carolina.

The North Carolina Forest Service announced the ban will take effect at 6 p.m. Saturday and applies to all 100 counties until further notice. All existing burning permits have been canceled, and no new permits will be issued during the ban.

“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.

Under the order, all open burning is prohibited statewide, regardless of previously issued permits. Violators could face a $100 fine and additional court costs. Anyone responsible for starting a fire may also be required to pay for firefighting expenses.

The ban does not apply to fires within 100 feet of an occupied home, though local officials may still restrict those.

State and local officials will enforce the ban while monitoring conditions. To learn more, head to the North Carolina Forest Service’s website. If residents have any specific questions regarding a specific county, they can contact their N.C. Forest Service County ranger or their county fire marshal’s office.