RALEIGH, N.C. — A burn ban is expanding in Western North Carolina as drought conditions worsen.
The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services issued burn bans in 16 more counties. They include Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Caldwell, Catawba, Haywood, Iredell, Lincoln, Madison, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey counties and go into effect at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8.
“With the long-range forecast and conditions on the ground showing no improvement, expanding the ban on open burning to additional counties is a necessary precaution,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “We’re making daily assessments, and the burn ban will be expanded into Piedmont counties and further east if needed. If you’re in a county that does not fall under the ban, think twice about any outdoor burning until we see significant, soaking rain across the state.”
This ban prohibits all open burning, regardless of if a permit was issued. Anyone who violates the ban could face a $100 fine plus $183 in court costs.
The N.C. Forest Service says it will continue to monitor conditions across the state. If you have any questions regarding a specific county, you can contact their N.C. Forest Service county ranger or their county fire marshal’s office.
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