N.C. Forest Service Warns of Elevated Fall Wildfire Risk, Urges Outdoor Burning Caution

RALEIGH — As fall wildfire season officially gets underway across North Carolina, state officials and the N.C. Forest Service are urging residents across Brunswick, Columbus, and Horry counties to exercise extreme caution with any outdoor burning.

Wildfire activity historically spikes across the Carolinas from October through early December as falling leaves, dry autumn vegetation, lower humidity, and shifting wind patterns create prime conditions for fires to spread rapidly.

Human Activity Drives Over 99% of State Wildfires

State agriculture officials emphasize that the vast majority of forest and brush fires across North Carolina are entirely preventable.

“Most wildfires in this state are preventable,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “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. Before you burn, take simple steps to keep your backyard fire in your backyard.”

Key Guidance for Safe Outdoor Burning

To prevent escaped debris burns and protect local communities, the N.C. Forest Service recommends following a three-step checklist: Check, Prepare, and Stay.

1. CHECK

• Check Local Bans: Verify whether any local or countywide burn bans or fire restrictions are currently active.

• Check the Weather: Never burn on dry, gusty, or low-humidity days.

• Obtain a Permit: Ensure you have a valid N.C. Forest Service burn permit, available online, at local county ranger offices, or through authorized local agents.

2. PREPARE

• Clear the Perimeter: Remove dry leaves, pine needles, and flammable debris from around the burn pile.

• Keep Fires Small: Maintain small, manageable piles rather than large fires.

• Burn Only Natural Vegetation: State law strictly prohibits burning trash, plastics, household waste, or non-natural materials.

• Have Tools Ready: Keep a charged garden hose, buckets of water, shovels, and a mobile phone immediately on hand.

• Avoid Accelerants: Never use gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel, or other flammable liquids to start or speed up a fire.

3. STAY

• Never Leave Unattended: Remain with the fire until it is completely extinguished. “If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.”

• Drown, Stir, Drown, Feel: Thoroughly douse burn piles, campfires, or charcoal briquettes with water. Soak all embers, stir the coals, and douse again until cold to the touch. If water is unavailable, mix sufficient sand or dirt to extinguish the embers completely without burying them.

• Proper Disposal: Never dump hot ashes or coals into wooded areas, treelines, or plastic containers.

Extra Caution Urged in Storm-Damaged Woodlands

Forest officials also noted that areas impacted by recent severe weather and storm damage face heightened risk due to heavy downed timber and dried brush accumulating on the forest floor.

“For communities still recovering from Hurricane Helene, wildfire prevention remains especially important,” Troxler added. “Storm-damaged forests have additional fuel on the ground, making it even more critical to use caution when burning and to avoid activities that could spark a wildfire.”

Additional Equipment & Travel Prevention Tips

Debris burning isn’t the only cause of autumn wildfires. Residents and outdoor enthusiasts should also keep these equipment safety rules in mind:

• Check Equipment & Machinery: Exercise caution when operating lawnmowers, bush hogs, or machinery that can generate sparks or heat near dry grass.

• Secure Trailer Chains: Ensure safety chains on trailers are securely fastened and not dragging on pavement, which can send hot sparks into roadside brush.

• Dispose of Smoking Materials Safely: Extinguish and dispose of cigarette butts, matches, and smoking materials in proper, non-combustible containers.

Residents seeking more information on outdoor burning permits or localized fire danger levels can contact their local N.C. Forest Service county ranger office or visit the N.C. Forest Service website.

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