The N.C. Forest Service has announced the statewide ban on open burning will be lifted effective 8 a.m. Wednesday, April 2, after recent rainfall reduced wildfire risks. The ban had been in place since March 21 due to hazardous fire conditions.
“We’ve received some well-timed, much-needed rain over the last couple of days, which has helped reduce fire danger, allowing us to lift burn ban restrictions across the state,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “However, we are still in the midst of spring wildfire season, and our recent wildfire activity—especially in Western North Carolina—is a reminder to remain vigilant about burning safely and responsibly.”
The burn ban remains in effect for fires within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling, as local fire marshals have the authority to issue or lift bans in those areas.
With the statewide ban lifted, burn permits are once again available. Residents can obtain permits online at ncagr.gov/burnpermits or from authorized permitting agents. Any burn permits issued before the ban were canceled and must be reissued.
For county-specific regulations, residents should contact their local N.C. Forest Service ranger or county fire marshal’s office. Local ranger contact information is available at ncforestservice.gov/contacts.
A Moore County native who has spent more than 20 years telling stories across North Carolina and beyond. He’s worked with CNN, WRAL, and CBS 17, and now serves as a Video Journalist for ABC11. Patrick has a passion for breaking news and has earned multiple awards for his coverage. He’s also a certified NWS SKYWARN Storm Spotter and was among the first news videographers in the state to become an FAA-certified drone pilot.
