North Carolina eases outdoor burning ban after weeks of drought relief
North Carolina has eased its outdoor burning restrictions after weeks of severe drought. The ban, in place since late March, was lifted in 81 counties on Sunday morning. However, 19 counties still face prohibitions due to ongoing fire risks. The state initially imposed a total ban on outdoor burning across all 100 counties on 28 March. At the time, 100% of North Carolina was under moderate drought, with 95.5% experiencing severe to exceptional conditions. Over half the state—54.9%—fell into the extreme or exceptional drought categories.
Rainfall over recent days reduced fire dangers enough for officials to amend the ban. Starting at 8 a.m. on Sunday, burn permits became available in 81 counties. Yet the change does not cover fires within 100 feet of homes.
Nineteen counties remain under restrictions. Alamance, Anson, Cabarrus, Chatham, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Gaston, Guilford, Iredell, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Moore, Randolph, Rockingham, Rowan, Stanly, Stokes, and Union still prohibit open burning. The partial lifting of the ban reflects improved conditions in many areas. But drought and fire risks persist in nearly a fifth of the state. Residents in restricted counties must continue following the burning prohibitions.
