(The Center Square) – Outdoor open burning prohibited in all 100 counties of North Carolina since March 28 was amended late Saturday, leaving 19 with bans and 81 permissible.
Drought and fire danger remain.
“The recent rainfall has provided some relief and has moderated fire danger enough for us to lift the ban on open burning in 81 counties,” said sixth-term Republican Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “However, we’re still in the thick of spring wildfire season when conditions can change quickly and frequently. We still need rain to move us forward with drought recovery, improving soil moisture and water levels.”
Thursday’s weekly release of updated metrics from the U.S. Drought Monitor were still dire. Extreme to exceptional drought was designated for 54.9% of the state, up from 38.1% a week earlier. Severe to exceptional was 95.5% (no change) and moderate drought was 100% (no change).
The state’s status change for 81 counties does not apply to fire started within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling; local fire marshals have authority there. Burn permits began availability in those respective counties at 8 a.m. Sunday.
Alamance, Anson, Cabarrus, Chatham, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Gaston, Guilford, Iredell, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Moore, Randolph, Rockingham, Rowan, Stanly, Stokes and Union counties remain under the burning ban.
By way of encouragement, Troxler said, “Be extremely vigilant with any outdoor burning if you’re in one of the 81 counties no longer under the state-issued ban. Make sure you have a valid burn permit, tools and a water source, and stay with your fire.
“If you’re in one of the 19 counties still under the state-issued burn ban, be patient and hold off on burning. We need more rain in your area to lift the ban. With the persistent drought, it’s important for all of us to use extreme caution when handling potential ignition sources such as machinery and motorized equipment. When in doubt, lean on your N.C. Forest Service county ranger’s office for guidance and best practices.”
