State and local officials have ordered a burn ban for all of North Carolina as of 6 p.m. today (Saturday).
All outdoor burning is prohibited until drought conditions improve. County Fire Marshal Shannon Blackman said the county opted to establish the ban at the same time as the state.
”The burn ban is statewide,” Blackman explained. “It’s easier for the Forest Serviee that way. Our ban is in conjunction with theirs.”
Yjr county has jurisdiction over fires in proximity to homes and businesses, while the Forest Service is responsible for fired in woodlands.
All of Columbus County is under either a moderate or severe drought, according to the N.C. Drought Monitor. Cool, windy dry conditions made for prime fire conditions in Columbus County today. Blackman said no major fires have been reported†ed here yet.
Failure to abide by the burn ban can result in criminal charges, fines and civil liabilities.
