N.C. Forest Service Denies Brunswick County Commissioners’ Request for Statewide Burn Ban

July 22, 2026 Coastal Carolina News Staff Brunswick County, Government, News, Outdoor 0

Brunswick County’s local burn ban for unincorporated areas remains in effect

BOLIVIA, NC — The N.C. Forest Service has denied a request from the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners to issue a statewide burn ban for the county, meaning state‑issued permits for burning natural vegetation more than 100 feet from an occupied dwelling may continue as long as state laws and air‑quality rules are followed.

The decision comes as Brunswick County remains under Exceptional Drought (D4) conditions and continues to monitor the Quarry Road Fire, which began July 10 and has burned 283 acres. The fire was reported at 75% containment as of this week.

County Chairman Mike Forte said commissioners are frustrated by the denial, noting that drought conditions and the recent wildfire were central to the request. The County Fire Marshal formally contacted local N.C. Forest Service officials after Brunswick County entered D4 drought status, the highest tier on the U.S. Drought Monitor scale.

State burn bans can only be issued by the N.C. Forest Service under the direction of N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. Counties and municipalities do not have authority to restrict or veto state‑issued burning permits, including those used for land clearing.

County staff met with Forest Service officials in the days following the Quarry Road Fire to discuss the request and other fire‑prevention efforts. The Forest Service’s denial cited its review of fuel types, moisture content, and overall dryness across Brunswick County.

Local authority over burning remains limited under state law. Counties and municipalities may only regulate open burning within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. Brunswick County’s Fire Marshal issued a burn ban for unincorporated areas on June 8, which remains in effect. Several municipalities also have their own restrictions or ordinances related to open burning.

Statewide burn bans are infrequent but not unprecedented. One was issued earlier this year from March 28 to May 8 due to hazardous fire conditions.

As of July 22, Brunswick County is one of 8 North Carolina counties experiencing Exceptional Drought. Large portions of the state are also facing Severe (D2) and Extreme (D3) drought conditions.