Burn ban in 30 western North Carolina counties lifted

Caitlin Richards
·1 min read

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) – A burn ban will be lifted at 5p.m. on Wednesday for western North Carolina counties according to the NC Forest Service.

The counties include:

  • Alexander

  • Alleghany

  • Ashe

  • Avery

  • Buncombe

  • Burke

  • Caldwell

  • Catawba

  • Cherokee

  • Clay

  • Cleveland

  • Gaston

  • Graham

  • Haywood

  • Henderson

  • Iredell

  • Jackson

  • Lincoln

  • Macon

  • Madison

  • McDowell

  • Mecklenburg

  • Mitchell

  • Polk

  • Rutherford

  • Swain

  • Transylvania

  • Watauga

  • Wilkes

  • Yancey

Burn bans were in place for the counties because of hazardous forest fire conditions in the area. The first ban took effect for 14 counties on Nov. 5. The second ban took effect in the additional 16 counties on Nov. 8.

Burn ban for NC mountains as 2 wildfires scorch 1,585 acres

“While recent rainfall has decreased fire danger and provided some relief from persistent dry conditions, I can’t stress enough how important it is for the public to be careful, ready and responsible when burning outdoors,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Almost all wildfires in this state are human caused, which means most wildfires in this state are preventable. Do your part. Check for restrictions before burning. Get a valid permit. Check the weather, and never leave any outdoor fire unattended.

Nearly a third of NC under burn ban due to forest fire conditions

Burn permits will be available starting at 5 p.m. in all counties. Burn permits are available from any open authorized permitting agent or online. Previously granted permits were canceled because of the ban. A new permit must be obtained.

Rain could be on the way for western NC wildfires

Residents with questions regarding their specific county can contact their N.C. Forest Service county ranger or their county fire marshal’s office. To find contact information for your local NCFS county ranger, visit NC Forest Service.

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