The N.C. Division of Forest Resources has initiated a statewide ban on all open burning and canceled all burning permits. The burning ban will become effective at noon today. The ban on open burning will be in effect until further notice.

Under North Carolina law, the ban prohibits all open burning statewide 100 feet or more from an occupied dwelling. The ban applies regardless of whether a permit was issued.

The ban on open burning is necessary because of the continuing drought and an increase in fire activity statewide. There were 423 fires last weekend that burned more than 10,146 acres. On Sunday alone, 302 fires burned approximately 9,387 acres.

“Personnel from the N.C. Division of Forest Resources, along with cooperating agencies and volunteer firefighters, fought these fires,” said Bill Ross, secretary of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources. “It is a testament to their skill and training that these fires were managed with minimal damage, injuries, and no fatalities.”

By North Carolina law, the ban prohibits all open burning statewide, regardless of whether a permit was issued. The issuance of any new permits has been suspended until the ban is lifted. In addition to the $100 fine, people in violation of the open burning ban will have to pay $120 for court costs.

The following are a few facts about the law regarding the ban on open burning:

• The burn ban does not apply to cooking fires, such as grills or outdoor cookers.
• The burn ban does not allow for campfires or bonfires, even in a metal ring.
• The ban does not apply to a fire within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. Most county fire marshals have jurisdiction over open burning within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. The Division of Forest Resources has advised county authorities of the burning ban and asked for them to consider also implementing county burning bans. In addition, other local ordinances and air quality regulations may also impact open burning.
• If a fire within that 100-foot area escapes containment, a North Carolina forest ranger may take reasonable steps to extinguish or control the fire. The person responsible for setting the fire may be responsible for reimbursing the N.C. Department Environment and Natural Resources for any expenses related to extinguishing that fire.
• Open burning includes burning leaves, branches and other plant material. In all cases, it is illegal to burn trash, lumber, tires, newspapers, plastics or other non-vegetative materials.
• Outdoor burning is also prohibited in areas covered by Code Orange or Code Red air quality forecasts.

Local fire departments and law enforcement officers are helping the state Division of Forest Resources enforce the burn ban.

For more information, contact Chris Carlson at (919) 733-2162 ext. 262 or (919) 210-5013, or Brian Haines at cell (919) 218-9728. Residents can also contact a county ranger with the Division of Forest Resources or the local county fire marshal's office.