WILMINGTON — In the wake of Hurricane Florence, counties around the Cape Fear region issued burn bans to prevent residents from burning storm debris and causing more issues on the already burdened region — now, more than two months after the storm New Hanover County has lifted its burn ban.
But residents are urged to not start burning without knowing the rules. Those who live in the City of Wilmington city limits are not permitted to open burn at any time, regardless of a temporary burn ban.
The lifted ban is only for residents of unincorporated New Hanover County.
“With the first pass of debris collection from Hurricane Florence nearing completion, fire risks have decreased and we have lifted the burn ban,” New Hanover County Fire Rescue (NHCFR) Deputy Chief Frank Meyer said in a press release. “We encourage our residents to practice fire safety and be aware of rules and regulations, like notifying neighbors of plans to burn and keeping watch over the fire, if they choose to burn vegetative debris.”
According to NHCFR, residents who plan to burn vegetative debris should adhere to the following:
- Only the open burning of vegetative debris, such as leaves, tree limbs and trimmings is permitted. Burning of household garbage, construction debris, furniture or any other material is prohibited at all times.
- Burning of vegetative debris is permitted on the property where the debris originated. Residents may not burn debris hauled from other locations.
- Burning must take place at least 50 feet from structures, like homes, fences or storage buildings, unless debris piles are smaller than three feet wide and two feet high. These smaller debris piles may be burned 25 feet from structures.
- Open burning must be attended to at all times by a person able to control and extinguish the fire.
It is also important to note that any burning that takes place outside of a small fireplace or fire pit will require a permit.
“Permits are free of charge and available at all county fire stations, Hanover Hardware at 3508 North Kerr Ave., and on the NC Forest Services website. To report smoke concerns, contact the NC Division of Air Quality local office at 910-350-2004,”‘ according to the release.
