NC Forest Service gives tips for preventing wildfires amid drought conditions

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- North Carolina's fall wildfire season is here, and the N.C. Forest Service is urging the public to protect homes and livelihoods by taking action to reduce wildfire risk.

The North Carolina fall wildfire season typically runs from October through early December. With drought conditions present across most of the state, it is important to take cautions before fire danger is ever in the forecast.

The N.C. Forest service outlines backyard debris burning, machine and vehicle use, arson, and escaped campfires as common causes of human-induced wildfires.

"Sometimes a wildfire is inevitable due to circumstance beyond our control such as lightning strikes or downed powerlines," Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said. "However, most of our wildfire are avoidable as human activity continues to be responsible for more than 99% of all wildfire causes."

While we are suffering from drought conditions, in central North Carolina, our neighbors in western North Carolina are dealing with an excess of wildfire fuel as piles of debris remain from Hurricane Helene's impact one year ago.

Stay on top of breaking news and weather with the ABC11 News App

Natural brush and debris, when dried, can act as fuel for wildfires.

To help protect your property from wildfires, the North Carolina Forest Service urges you to:

• Clear off pine needles, dead leaves and anything else that can burn from your roof, gutters, decks, porches, patios and along fence lines.
• Screen windows and seal any openings.
• Rake up leaves and mulch at least five feet away from your home.
• Trim back shrubs or tree branches closer than five feet from your house.
• Remove anything within 30 feet of your home that can burn.
• Store away furniture cushions, mats, potted plants and other decorations from decks, porches and patios.

All of these actions make falling embers less likely to ignite. The key is to create space between anything that can act as a large source of fuel, and your house.

Keep these tips in mind as we go deeper into the fall drought season.