RALEIGH — The N.C. Forest Service has lifted its statewide ban on open burning for 81 counties, effective 8 a.m. Sunday, May 3, following recent rainfall that eased drought and wildfire conditions across much of North Carolina.
The ban, which began March 28, will remain in effect for 19 counties where fire danger is still elevated, including Alamance, Anson, Cabarrus, Chatham, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Gaston, Guilford, Iredell, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Moore, Randolph, Rockingham, Rowan, Stanly, Stokes and Union.
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said the rainfall has provided “some relief” but urged residents to remain cautious.
“We’re still in the thick of spring wildfire season when conditions can change quickly,” Troxler said. “Be extremely vigilant with any outdoor burning if you’re in one of the 81 counties no longer under the ban. Make sure you have a valid burn permit, tools and a water source, and stay with your fire.”
Troxler also asked residents in the 19 counties still under the ban to be patient until additional rainfall improves soil moisture and water levels.
The lifting of the ban does not apply to fires started within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling, where local fire marshals retain authority to issue or lift restrictions.
Beginning Sunday morning, burn permits are again available in the 81 counties cleared for burning. Residents can obtain permits from authorized agents or online at apps.ncagr.gov/burnpermits. All permits issued before the statewide ban took effect were canceled and must be reissued.
For county‑specific information, residents can contact their N.C. Forest Service county ranger or county fire marshal’s office. Additional wildfire prevention resources are available at preventwildfirenc.org.
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