Burn Ban: Cancellation of Burning Permits

MEMORANDUM

From: Greg Hicks – Assistant Commissioner / State Forester

RE: Cancellation of Burning Permits and Implementation of a Burning Ban for all 100 counties.

Confirming authorization due to hazardous forest fire conditions, I am using authority under the law (NC G.S. 106- 944 & 106-946) to cancel all burning permits and prohibit all open burning for all 100 counties. This ban on open burning is effective at 6 p.m. Saturday, March 28, 2026, and shall remain in effect until further notice.

Distribute widely to the affected areas. The burn ban does not apply to fires started within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. Fires within that 100 feet must be confined within an enclosure from which burning material may not escape or within a protected area upon which a watch is being maintained and which is provided with adequate fire protection equipment. The local fire marshal has authority to issue a burn ban within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling.

We will continually monitor the state to determine when conditions have improved, and the burn ban can be lifted.