(The Center Square) – For the first time in six weekends, North Carolinians on Saturday in all 100 counties were free of a statewide outdoor burning ban.
The state Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services at 8 a.m. Friday lifted the prohibition from 19 counties that along with all 100 had been regulated since March 28. Fire conditions remain dangerous despite rain in the past 10 days, and drought conditions have been slow to improve.
“With the additional precipitation received this week, fire danger has improved for the western Piedmont, Triad and foothills,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Still, we have a long way to go with drought recovery. While drought alone isn’t a hazardous forest fire condition, it can be a stressor that contributes to fires burning longer, more intensely and being more difficult to control.”
Alamance, Anson, Cabarrus, Chatham, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Gaston, Guilford, Iredell, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Moore, Randolph, Rockingham, Rowan, Stanly, Stokes and Union counties were the last in the state to come out of the burning ban.
“Responsible, safe burning is critical all the time but especially during peak wildfire season,” Troxler said. “Pay attention to weather conditions and check fire danger before burning. Get a valid burn permit. Have a water source, shovel, rake and phone nearby. Stay with your fire until it is completely out and cold to the touch.
“Your N.C. Forest Service county ranger is there to help you know when and how to burn safely and in accordance with the law. Lean on those county rangers for that guidance.”
