The North Carolina Forest Service issued a ban on all open burning effective Friday March 21 at 8 a.m.
The ban also cancels all burning permits statewide until further notice.
In a press release, state Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said the ban is due to an increase in wildfire activity due to dry conditions.
“With these ongoing conditions, a statewide burn ban is necessary to reduce the risk of wildfires starting and spreading quickly," he said in the release. "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.”
Anyone violating the burn ban faces a $100 fine plus $183 in court costs.
The measure does not apply to fires started within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling, but local fire marshals have the authority to issue burn bans within that 100 feet.
Open burning includes burning plant materials such as leaves or branches.
Burning trash, lumber, tires, newspapers, plastics or other nonvegetative material is illegal. Campfires are considered a violation of the ban, and campers should use portable gas stoves or grills to cook.
Grills and barbeques may be used unless prohibited by local order.
