RALEIGH, NC — As North Carolina enters its fall wildfire season, state forestry officials are urging residents to exercise extreme caution with outdoor burning.
The N.C. Forest Service issued a warning Wednesday noting that wildfire activity typically increases from October through early December as dry vegetation, falling leaves, and shifting weather conditions create ideal environments for fires to spread rapidly.
State officials emphasized that nearly all wildfires across the state are preventable.
“Human activity continues to be responsible for more than 99% of wildfires in North Carolina, making individual actions one of our most important tools for preventing wildfires,” Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said in a news release. “Before you burn, take simple steps to keep your backyard fire in your backyard.”
Officials issued the “Check, Prepare, Stay” guidelines for anyone planning to burn outdoors:
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Check: Verify local burn bans or restrictions, check weather forecasts to avoid dry or windy days, and ensure you have a valid burn permit.
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Prepare: Clear leaves and flammable materials around the burn area, keep fires small, and have water, tools, and a cellphone on hand. It is illegal to burn anything other than natural vegetation, and accelerants like gasoline or kerosene should never be used.
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Stay: Never leave a fire unattended. Fully extinguish embers by dousing them with water, stirring, and dousing again until cold to the touch. Never dump hot coals or ashes near wooded areas.
Troxler noted that extra vigilance is needed in western regions and storm-impacted areas where storm debris from Hurricane Helene has left vast amounts of fallen fuel on the ground, creating heightened wildfire risks.
Fires can also be sparked by equipment usage, dragging trailer safety chains, or improperly discarded cigarettes. Residents seeking burn permits or local fire restriction details can visit the N.C. Forest Service website or contact their local county ranger’s office.
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