NC Forest Service lifts burn ban for most counties after recent rainfall

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The North Carolina Forest Service has lifted a statewide ban on open burning for 81 counties, effective 8 a.m. Sunday, following recent rainfall that helped ease wildfire conditions.

The burn ban was first issued March 28 because of dangerous fire weather. However, it remains in effect for 19 counties until further notice, including Alamance, Anson, Cabarrus, Chatham, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Gaston, Guilford, Iredell, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Moore, Randolph, Rockingham, Rowan, Stanly, Stokes and Union counties.

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said while rain has brought some improvement, wildfire season is far from over.

"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," Troxler said. "However, we're still in the thick of spring wildfire season when conditions can change quickly and frequently."

He urged residents to remain cautious, noting that more rain is still needed to help with drought recovery, soil moisture and water levels.

Troxler stressed that anyone planning to burn in counties where the ban has been lifted must take proper precautions, including having a valid burn permit, tools and a water source, and staying with the fire at all times.

"If you're in one of the 19 counties still under the state-issued burn ban, be patient and hold off on burning," Troxler said. "We need more rain in your area to lift the ban."

Burn permits and local authority

As of Sunday morning, burn permits are once again available in counties no longer under the statewide ban. Officials say all burn permits issued before March 28 were canceled when the ban took effect, and new permits are required to legally burn.

The lifting of the ban does not apply to fires within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. Local fire marshals have authority to issue or lift burn bans within that distance.