Statewide burn ban prohibits all open burning in North Carolina

A burn ban took effect across North Carolina on Friday due to dry and windy conditions.

The order came from the N.C. Forest Service and began at 8 a.m.

The ban, which applies to all 100 counties in North Carolina, prohibits all open burning regardless of whether a permit was previously issued.

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Fire marshals in Burke, Cabarrus, and Caldwell counties were also enforcing local burn bans.

Under North Carolina law, anyone violating the burn ban faces a $100 fine plus $183 in court costs.

Additionally, individuals responsible for setting a fire may be liable for any expenses related to extinguishing the fire.

Channel 9 Meteorologist Keith Monday said the higher fire danger was going to continue through the weekend as very dry and windy conditions persist.

The statewide burn ban applies to areas beyond 100 feet of an occupied dwelling.

The local burn bans includes bonfires, firepits, chimeneas, yard debris, land clearing, or any other type of open burning. However, it excludes outdoor gas cooking appliances, enclosed cookers, charcoal grills, or smokers.

Residents with questions or concerns are asked to call or email their local fire marshal’s office.

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