The North Carolina Forest Service is maintaining a statewide ban on open burning as critical fire weather conditions persist. Strong winds, low humidity, and warm temperatures are contributing to increased fire activity across the state.
N.C. Forest Service personnel are engaged in initial attack responses to several large wildfires while also addressing reports of illegal fires during the burn ban. “Using outdoor fire during a burn ban is prohibited by law and unnecessarily challenges response capabilities,” stated the N.C. Forest Service.
Significant wildfires include the Black Cove, Deep Woods, and Fish Hook fires in Polk County. The Black Cove Fire has spread over 1,239 acres without containment; the Deep Woods Fire covers 1,102 acres with no containment; and the Fish Hook Fire spans 152 acres and is 50% contained. Containment efforts face challenges due to debris and rugged terrain.
Other notable fires in Western North Carolina include the Old Hwy 16 #1 Fire in Wilkes County (200 acres, 50% contained), the Iron Circle Fire in Burke County (160 acres, 50% contained), and the Caleb Lane Fire in Caldwell County (50 acres, no containment).
District 10 personnel are addressing the Goinstown Road Fire near Stokes/Rockingham County line, covering about 50 acres with no containment. In Caswell County, responders are tackling the Anderson Road Fire, which spans 20-30 acres and is 50% contained.
Since March 1st, there have been 1,040 wildfires on state and private lands statewide. Almost all of these are human-caused, making them largely preventable.
A burn ban was issued at 8 a.m. on March 21st across North Carolina. All burning permits have been canceled with no new ones being issued until further notice.
Flying drones near or over wildfires remains illegal due to safety risks they pose to firefighting aircraft operating at low altitudes. “Drones can pose a serious threat to pilot and public safety,” emphasized officials.
For more information on wildfire activity across North Carolina or to subscribe for updates from N.C. Forest Service about wildfires and burn bans, residents can visit their official websites.
