North Carolina issues statewide burn ban as Ocean Isle brush fire highlights wildfire risk

CAPE FEAR, N.C. (WWAY) — A statewide burn ban is in effect across North Carolina as dry and windy conditions increase the risk of wildfires, officials said.

A brush fire broke out around 11 p.m. Saturday along N.C. 179 in Ocean Isle Beach and has since been contained. Viewer-provided images showed smoke spreading through wooded areas as flames moved through the brush.

Officials say similar conditions have contributed to wildfire activity beyond North Carolina. In neighboring South Carolina, several wildfires have also been contained in recent days.

The North Carolina Forest Service said the heightened fire risk prompted the statewide burn ban, which prohibits most open burning. In addition, counties including Pender, Brunswick, New Hanover, Columbus, and Bladen have enacted their own burn bans prohibiting all open burning.

Philip Jackson with the North Carolina Forest Service said fires in eastern North Carolina can grow significantly before they are detected.

“If you were to get a lightning strike, it might take several days before anybody even knows it’s burning, and that’s when we tend to see these larger wildfires in eastern North Carolina,” Jackson said.

Jackson urges residents to take precautions to prevent additional fires. He recommends keeping a water source nearby when working outdoors, maintaining lawn equipment to prevent leaks or sparks, and ensuring tow chains are secured and not dragging on roadways.

And if you see fire or smoke, immediately call 911.