Burning ban remains in effect
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on November 21, 2007 1:45 PM
RALEIGH -- The North Carolina Division of Forest Resources is reminding people that want to burn debris or have any outdoor cooking fires over the Thanksgiving holiday that a statewide ban on all open burning remains in effect until further notice.
Those who want to cook their annual dinner outside must use an enclosed grill or outdoor cooker if cooking beyond 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. Inside of the 100-foot area, people should contact their local fire marshal to ensure whether a local ban on open burning exists.
The burn ban became effective Oct. 15, due to drought conditions across the state that have made forest fuels, such as pine straw and branches, extremely dry. The N.C. Division of Forest Resources has also canceled all burning permits.
There have been more than 6,380 wildfires this year, burning more than 34,761 acres statewide. Approximately 366 fires, burning over 1,462 acres, have occurred since the ban was put in place. Since the ban was enacted, approximately 106 citations have been issued.
According to state law, the ban prohibits all open burning statewide, regardless of whether a permit was issued. The issuance of any new permits has been suspended until the ban is lifted.
The ban does not apply to a fire within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. A campsite is not considered an occupied dwelling.
For more information, call 733-2162, ext. 234.