ROCKINGHAM — The N.C. Forest Service has issued a statewide burn ban starting at 6 p.m. Saturday, March 28 and lasting until further notice due to increased wildfire risk.
Much of Western North Carolina and portions of Central North Carolina, as far east as Stanly and Union counties, were previously under a red flag warning earlier in the day. Richmond County, and most of central N.C,. was under an increased fire danger
“With drought severity across the state, forecast fire weather and the potential for limited rainfall, it is critical to reduce the number of new fire starts,” Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said in a press release. “Vegetative fuels will dry rapidly, and with the amount of fuel loading in the mountains and drought impacts statewide, a burn ban for all 100 counties is necessary to reduce the number of wildfires across our landscape. Please follow this burn ban to help reduce the risk for everyone.”
According to the NCFS, the ban prohibits “open open burning,” regardless if a permit has been issued. New permits have been suspended until the ban is lifted.
The ban prohibits:
“The burn ban does not apply to fires started within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling,” reads the press release. “The local fire marshal has authority to issue a burn ban within those 100 feet.”
Violators could face a $100 fine plus $180 in court costs, according to NCFS, which added: “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 reportedly assisting in enforcing the ban.
Residents are encouraged to contact the county ranger or fire marshal with any questions.
