ASHEBORO N.C. (ACME NEWS) — In response to dry conditions across the state and increasing fire risk, the North Carolina Forest Service has implemented a statewide burn ban, effective 8 a.m. on Friday, March 21, 2025, until further notice.
“It is spring wildfire season in North Carolina, and we are seeing increased wildfire activity due to ongoing dry conditions. A statewide burn ban is necessary to reduce the risk of wildfires starting and spreading quickly.,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler in a press release. “Our top priority is protecting lives, property, and forestland.”
The burn ban applies to all 100 counties in North Carolina, prohibiting all open burning, regardless of whether a permit had previously been issued. The issuance of new burning permits has also been suspended. Those who violate the ban face a $100 fine, plus $183 in court costs. Additionally, individuals responsible for starting a fire may be held liable for the costs of extinguishing it.
The ban does not apply to fires within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling, as local fire marshals have jurisdiction over those areas. However, multiple counties have already issued local bans including Randolph, and Guilford County.
In conjunction with the statewide burn ban, the Randolph County Fire Marshal has also issued a local burn ban for Randolph County beginning at 8:00 am on March 21, 2025, until further notice.
Posted by Randolph County Emergency Services on Thursday, March 20, 2025
In addition to the state-level burn ban, the U.S. Forest Service has enacted fire restrictions on North Carolina’s four national forests—Pisgah, Nantahala, Uwharrie, and Croatan—also starting Friday, March 21, 2025. The restrictions, which will remain in effect through June 30, 2025, or until rescinded by an authorized U.S. Forest Service official, prohibit the building, maintaining, or using of open fires, campfires, or stove fires on these forests. However, visitors are still allowed to use commercially available fuel stoves, such as portable propane camp stoves or covered charcoal grills.
“The restrictions are necessary to reduce the risk of human-caused fires during unusually high fire danger conditions,” said a U.S. Forest Service spokesperson. Fire professionals assess various factors, including fire danger ratings, adverse weather conditions, and fuel moisture, to determine when such restrictions are needed.
The U.S. Forest Service’s fire restrictions follow the statewide burn ban issued by the North Carolina Forest Service, which cited the same persistent dry conditions across the state.
The National Weather Service (NWS) reports that large portions of North Carolina are experiencing severe drought conditions, particularly in the southern Piedmont and Sandhills regions. Moderate drought and abnormally dry conditions persist throughout other parts of central North Carolina.
Barrett Smith, Senior Service Hydrologist with the NWS in Raleigh, noted, “While some rain may move across the region, drought conditions remain a serious concern. If rainfall continues to fall below normal and temperatures remain high, the drought could worsen as we move into early spring.”
The N.C. Forest Service and U.S. Forest Service will continue to monitor conditions and adjust restrictions as necessary. Residents with questions about specific county restrictions or conditions can contact their local county ranger or fire marshal’s office.
For more information on wildfire prevention and preparedness, visit the N.C. Forest Service website or learn more about wildfire risk reduction at Resist Wildfire NC.
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