NORTH CAROLINA — Weekend rainfall helped alleviate a burn ban in effect since March 28 for most North Carolina counties, including the tri-county region in the southeastern portion of the state.
The North Carolina Forest Service lifted the ban in all counties except 19, including Alamance, Anson, Cabarrus, Chatham, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Gaston, Guilford, Iredell, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Moore, Randolph, Rockingham, Rowan, Stanly, Stokes and Union.
A persistent drought led to the ban and though 0.3 to 1 inch of rain fell in some areas of the tri-county, Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler reminds the spring wildfire season is still in force.
“Conditions can change quickly and frequently,” he wrote in a release. “We still need rain to move us forward with drought recovery, improving soil moisture and water levels. Be extremely vigilant with any outdoor burning if you’re in one of the 81 counties no longer under the state-issued ban. Make sure you have a valid burn permit, tools and a water source, and stay with your fire.” If you’re in one of the 19 counties still under the state-issued burn ban, be patient and hold off on burning. We need more rain in your area to lift the ban. With the persistent drought, it’s important for all of us to use extreme caution when handling potential ignition sources such as machinery and motorized equipment. When in doubt, lean on your N.C. Forest Service county ranger’s office for guidance and best practices.”
The lifting of the burn ban in 81 counties does not apply to fires started within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. The local fire marshal has authority to issue or lift a burn ban within those 100 feet.
Pender and New Hanover counties lifted their burn bans as well.
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