A statewide burn ban is in effect in North Carolina as of Monday, Nov. 29 at 5 p.m. and until further notice due to the increased risk of fire.
“It is fall 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 fires starting and spreading quickly. Our top priority is always to protect lives, property and forestland across the state.”
The North Carolina Forest Service is battling a wildfire in Pilot Mountain, which was reportedly more than 500 acres on Monday. It was initially reported Saturday night.
Under North Carolina law, the ban prohibits all open burning in the affected counties, regardless of whether a permit was previously issued. The issuance of any new permits has also been suspended until the ban is lifted. Anyone violating the burn ban faces a $100 fine plus $183 court costs. Any person responsible for setting a fire may be liable for any expenses related to extinguishing the fire.
Local fire departments and law enforcement officers are assisting the N.C. Forest Service in enforcing the burn ban.
Swain County Fire Marshal Ervin Winchester said the current burn ban is also effective in municipalities and within 100-feet of structures.
Since Monday, Swain County has been under increased fire danger by the National Weather Service due to a combination of low relative humidity and winds with gusts up to 15-20 miles per hour.
The N.C. Forest Service will continue to monitor conditions. Residents with questions regarding a specific county can contact their N.C. Forest Service county ranger or their county fire marshal’s office.
The ban includes open burning of leaves, branches or other plant materials. In all cases, trash, lumber, tires, newspapers, plastic or other nonvegetative material is illegal to burn.
Campfires are also considered open burning and are not exempt from the burn ban. Grills are allowed.
To report a wildfire, call 911.