HOFFMAN — More than 200 acres of state land were burned during a military training exercise on Wednesday.
According to Ranger Brandon VanBuren with the N.C. Forest Service, a smoke grenade used during training by U.S. Army Special Forces started a fire near the field trial area of the Sandhills Game Lands.
The fire ultimately burned 278 acres, according to VanBuren. The ranger added that 1,400 acres burned in the area last year from three fires in the same weekend.
VanBuren said there have been around 50 wildfires in Richmond County within the past three weeks, though most have been small yard fires.
The N.C. Forest Service on Thursday issued a statewide burn ban effective from 8 a.m. Friday until further notice, due to increased fire risk.
Despite recent rains, risk remains high, with low relative humidity and wind gusts expected to be 20-23 mph the next two days, according to the National Weather Service.
All open burning is prohibited and no permits will be issued during the ban.
“It is spring wildfire season in North Carolina, and we are seeing wildfire activity increase due to dry conditions,” Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said in a press release. “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.”
Violators face a $100 fine plus $183 in court costs, according to the press release.
While the ban does not include fires within 100 feet of a residence, VanBuren notes that if the fire gets out of control and NCFS has to take suppressive action, a citation can be issued.
Local law enforcement and fire departments are assisting with enforcement of the ban.
