State and Local Burn Bans Issued for Randolph County

ASHEBORO — A statewide burn ban is in effect today, including a local burn ban in Randolph County as on-going drought conditions have led to lingering increased fire risks.  

The N.C. Forest Service has issued a statewide burn ban prohibiting all open burning and canceled all burning permits statewide effective 8 a.m. Friday, March 21, until further notice. The ban prohibits all open burning, regardless of whether a permit was previously issued. The issuance of any new permits has also been suspended until the ban is lifted. Anyone violating the burn ban faces a $100 fine plus $183 court costs and may also be liable for any expenses related to extinguishing the fire.

The statewide ban does not apply to fires started within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling, however, shortly after the state ban was issued, the Randolph County Fire Marshal issued a local ban which prohibits all open burning within 100 feet of any occupied dwelling or structure.

Failure to comply with the burn ban in Randolph County may result in fines ranging from $10 to $50 per day for each day the violation continues, on top of any state fines or costs.

The ban comes as rainfall in the region has remained well below normal, particularly in the southern and eastern portions of the state. According to the National Weather Service, North Carolina is experiencing severe drought conditions across parts of the southern Piedmont and Sandhills, while much of the rest of central North Carolina is under moderate drought or abnormally dry conditions.

“It is spring wildfire season in North Carolina, and we are seeing wildfire activity increase due to dry conditions,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “With these ongoing conditions, a statewide burn ban is necessary to reduce the risk of wildfires starting and spreading quickly. Our top priority is always to protect lives, property and forestland across the state. It is imperative that folks adhere to this burn ban until further notice.”

For more information or to report violations, individuals should contact their local N.C. Forest Service county ranger or their county fire marshal’s office.