CHARLOTTE, N.C. — All open burns, including leaf burning and campfires, are now banned in 30 counties across western North Carolina because of an increased fire danger, the North Carolina Forest Service announced Wednesday.
Mecklenburg County was one of 16 counties added to the ban Wednesday, which was already in effect in portions of the mountains and foothills of North Carolina.
Ongoing drought conditions, combined with dry vegetation such as fallen leaves, increase the threat of wildfires.
“With the long-range forecast and conditions on the ground showing no improvement, expanding the ban on open burning to additional counties is a necessary precaution,” Steve Troxler, the state's agriculture commissioner, said in a statement Wednesday. “We keep a close eye on weather, fire danger and fuel conditions, especially this time of year. We’re making daily assessments, and the burn ban will be expanded into Piedmont counties and further east if needed. If you’re in a county that does not fall under the ban, think twice about any outdoor burning until we see significant, soaking rain across the state.”
Local fire departments and law enforcement will enforce the ban, which impacts everyone regardless of previously issued permits. While the burn ban applies to the burning of leaves, vegetation and other garbage, residents are still allowed to safely use outdoor grills. Outdoor fires such as campfires are banned.
Anyone violating the burn ban faces a $100 fine plus $183 court costs. Any person responsible for setting a fire may be liable for any expenses related to extinguishing the fire, according to the N.C. Forest Service.
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Wildfires are burning across the region.
In North Carolina, firefighters are working to contain the Poplar Drive Fire in Henderson County. The fire has burned over 400 acres, including two homes. Two firefighters have sustained minor injuries.
One of the biggest ongoing wildfires is in Virginia, where the Quaker Run Fire has burned over 2,500 acres in Shenandoah National Park.
Smoke from ongoing fires could decrease air quality. Most of the Carolinas Wednesday had moderate-level impacts, which would primarily impact those unusually sensitive to smoke particulars. If smoke conditions were to increase, more people could find themselves impacted by the smoke.
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