Open Burning Ban Back in Effect

N.C. Division of Forest Resources has reinstated the ban on open burning throughout North Carolina.

October 17, 2007

NORTH CAROLINA STATEWIDE NEWS -- N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Bill Ross reinstated the open burning ban effective at 1 p.m. October 15, 2007.

At this time, the N.C. Division of Forest Resources has initiated a statewide ban on all open burning and canceled all burning permits. The ban on open burning will be in effect until further notice. The open burning ban was reinstated because of the dry weather conditions and depleted water resources across North Carolina.

By North Carolina law (G.S. 113-60.25 and 113.60.27), the ban prohibits all open burning statewide, regardless of whether a permit was issued. The issuance of any new permits has been suspended until the ban is lifted. In addition to the $100 fine, people in violation of the open burning ban may have to pay court costs.

The open burn ban does not apply to cooking fires, such as grills or outdoor cookers. Nor does the burning ban apply to a fire within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. County fire marshals have jurisdiction of burning within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. However, if a fire within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling escapes containment, a North Carolina forest ranger may take reasonable steps to extinguish or control the fire. The person responsible for setting the fire may be responsible for reimbursing NCDENR for any expenses related to extinguishing that fire. Open burning includes burning leaves, branches and other plant material, and it is always illegal to burn trash, lumber, tires, newspapers, plastics or other non-vegetative materials in North Carolina. Furthermore, outdoor burning is also prohibited in areas covered by Code Orange or Code Red air quality forecasts.

In addition to the open burning ban, other local ordinances and air quality regulations may impact open burning within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. Therefore, citizens should contact their local county fire marshal's office before burning.

Published by:
Rob Cross
mailto:editor@357news.com

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