By Staff
All burning permits
canceled by agency
Staff Reports
The N.C. Division of Forest Resources has initiated a statewide ban on all open burning and canceled all burning permits.
The burning ban took effect at noon Thursday. The ban on open burning will be in effect until further notice.
Under North Carolina law, the ban prohibits all open burning statewide 100 feet or more from an occupied dwelling. The ban applies regardless of whether a permit was issued.
The ban on open burning is necessary because of the continuing drought and an increase in fire activity statewide. There were 423 fires last weekend that burned more than 10,146 acres. On Sunday alone, 302 fires burned approximately 9,387 acres.
The issuance of any new burning permits has been suspended until the ban is lifted. In addition to the $100 fine, people in violation of the open burning ban will have to pay $120 for court costs.
The following are a few facts about the law regarding the ban on open burning:
Local fire departments and law-enforcement officers are helping the state Division of Forest Resources enforce the burn ban.