Due to increased fire risk, the N.C. Forest Service has issued a ban on all open burning and has canceled all burning permits statewide effective 8 a.m. Friday, March 21, until further notice.
Columbus County will enact a similar ban at the same time.
The burn ban does not apply to fires started within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling, as that is the jurisdiction of the county. Columbus Fire Marshall Shannon Blackman said the ban will go into effect here at the same time. The City of Whiteville cancelled all burn permits last month, Fire Marshall Hal Lowder said.
“It is spring wildfire season in North Carolina, and we are seeing wildfire activity increase due to dry conditions,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “With these ongoing conditions, a statewide burn ban is necessary to reduce the risk of wildfires starting and spreading quickly. Our top priority is always to protect lives, property and forestland across the state. It is imperative that folks adhere to this burn ban until further notice.”
Columbus County has already seen multiple wildfires this year, including several major fires in the Cerro Gordo and Evergreen areas that required air support and multiple fire units.
The U.S. Forest Service said North Carolina is among the top states for the “urban-rural interface,” with more and more people moving into wooded areas. Trash and debris firs, use of pine straw and flammable mulch around homes, and simple carelessness can lead to fires that damage homes, threaten lives and destroy woodlands.
Under North Carolina law, the ban prohibits all open burning in all 100 counties in this instance, regardless of whether a permit was previously issued. The issuance of any new permits has also been suspended until the ban is lifted. Anyone violating the burn ban faces a $100 fine plus $183 court costs. Any person responsible for setting a fire may be liable for any expenses related to extinguishing the fire.
Local fire departments and law enforcement officers are assisting the N.C. Forest Service in enforcing the burn ban.
The N.C. Forest Service will continue to monitor conditions. Residents with questions regarding a specific county can contact their N.C. Forest Service county ranger or their county fire marshal’s office.
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