RALEIGH — Despite scattered showers over the weekend, North Carolina’s statewide burn ban will remain in place as drought conditions deepen and wildfire activity continues to strain firefighting resources, the N.C. Forest Service announced Monday.
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said the rainfall was “welcome” but ultimately insignificant compared to what the state needs to recover from months of dry weather. Many regions are now 10 inches or more below normal rainfall levels.
“Even the areas that received the heaviest amount of rain will quickly dry out from the sunshine and warmer temperatures,” Troxler said in the release. “Until we get some additional rain and see more green‑up in our forests, holding the burn ban in place statewide is the best option right now.”
Wildfire Activity Remains High
According to the Forest Service, low soil moisture, dry surface fuels, and persistent low humidity continue to drive wildfire behavior across the state. Western North Carolina is facing additional challenges from leftover forest debris created by Hurricane Helene, while coastal areas are experiencing intense ground fire due to low water levels.
The Piedmont alone saw 87 new wildfire starts over the weekend, underscoring the strain on crews already stretched thin by extended attack and mop‑up operations.
More Than 1,200 Wildfires Since March 28
Since the burn ban took effect on March 28, firefighters have responded to more than 1,200 wildfires, burning nearly 3,500 acres statewide. Only five of those fires were caused by lightning; the rest were human‑related.
Enforcement has also increased. The Forest Service reports 287 citations issued for illegal burning, with several cases still under investigation.
Public Urged to Use Extreme Caution
Officials emphasized that even activities not restricted by the burn ban — such as mowing, using farm equipment, driving on dry grass, or discarding cigarettes — continue to spark fires under current conditions.
“Reducing the number of new ignitions is critical,” the agency said, noting that the same personnel fighting wildfires are also responsible for enforcing the burn ban.
How to Monitor Fire Danger
Residents are encouraged to check the state’s fire danger map and fire danger statements, which are updated regularly and available online. These tools provide real‑time information about wildfire risk based on weather and fuel conditions.
The burn ban will remain in effect until conditions improve.
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