As of Noon, March 27, 2008

The N.C. Division of Forest Resources has imposed a statewide ban on all open burning and canceled all burning permits effective at noon, March 27, 2008, due to a Red Flag warning imposed by the National Weather Service.

The Red Flag warning, which was issued due to high winds and unusually dry air, is in place from noon until 9 p.m. statewide. The ban on open burning will remain in effect until conditions improve.

Under North Carolina law (G.S. 113-60.25 and 113.60.27), the ban prohibits all open burning statewide or in the affected counties, 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 for court costs.

Local fire departments and law enforcement officers as well as officers with the N.C. Wildlife Resource Commission are helping the N.C. Division of Forest Resources enforce the burn ban.