A statewide burn ban that has restricted open burning across North Carolina since late March will officially be lifted in Moore County and the remaining affected counties Friday morning.
The N.C. Forest Service announced the burn ban for Moore County and 19 other counties will end at 8 a.m. Friday, May 8, after recent rainfall helped lower wildfire danger across the region.
The statewide ban was first issued March 28 because of hazardous fire conditions driven by dry weather and elevated wildfire risk. The state lifted the ban for 81 counties on May 3, but Moore County remained under restrictions until additional rainfall improved conditions this week.
State Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said recent precipitation helped reduce the fire danger in the western Piedmont, Triad and foothills regions, though drought conditions are still a concern in many areas.
Officials said residents should continue to use caution when burning outdoors, especially during the spring wildfire season. The Forest Service recommends checking weather conditions and local fire danger levels before burning and keeping water sources and tools nearby to control fires if needed.
Beginning Friday morning, burn permits will once again be available statewide. Anyone planning to burn outdoors must obtain a new valid permit, as all permits issued before the statewide ban were canceled when the restrictions took effect in March.
The lifting of the state-issued burn ban does not apply to fires started within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling, where local fire marshals still have authority over burning restrictions. Moore County News spoke with Bryan Phillips, Director of Moore County Public Safety, who confirmed Moore County’s local burn ban, including restrictions within 100 feet of occupied structures, will also be lifted at 8 a.m. Friday.
Residents can obtain burn permits online through the N.C. Forest Service or through authorized local permitting agents. Officials also encourage residents to check fire danger levels and weather alerts before conducting any outdoor burning.
