Burn Ban Remains in Effect as Drought Persists in Brunswick County

Local restrictions continue despite recent rainfall

By Coastal Carolina News Staff Writer

Brunswick County, NC — Brunswick County’s burn ban remains in effect for unincorporated areas as severe drought conditions persist across the region.

While recent rainfall has eased surface dryness and been welcomed by residents, deep moisture, groundwater, and streamflows remain well below normal. Local fire departments report that dry fuels such as pine straw, grass, and leaf litter continue to ignite easily even after precipitation, prompting officials to maintain strict burning rules. Under the county’s burn ban, no outdoor burning is permitted within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling, including residential debris piles, burn barrels, bonfires, and campfires. Fire officials continue to emphasize the long-standing rule: if it didn’t grow, don’t burn it.

State officials note that multiple weeks of steady rainfall are still needed to meaningfully reduce drought severity. According to U.S. Drought Monitor data released on August 13, 2026, the southern border of Brunswick County sharing the line with South Carolina remains under Exceptional Drought (D4), shifting northward into Extreme Drought (D3) across central portions of the county, with the remaining areas grading into Severe Drought (D2).

Water Restrictions and Irrigation Schedule

While the county remains under a Stage 3 Water Shortage Warning, officials have adjusted mandatory restrictions to slightly expand the limited automated irrigation schedule to twice a week for homeowners, based on odd and even addresses.

• Automated Spray or Drip Irrigation: Permitted between 8:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. on designated days, capped at less than one inch of water per week.

• Odd-Numbered Addresses & Unaddressed Facilities: May irrigate from 8:00 p.m. Tuesday to 4:00 a.m. Wednesday, and from 8:00 p.m. Saturday to 4:00 a.m. Sunday.

• Even-Numbered Addresses: May irrigate from 8:00 p.m. Wednesday to 4:00 a.m. Thursday, and from 8:00 a.m. Friday to 4:00 a.m. Saturday.

Residents are urged to follow all local restrictions, avoid unnecessary ignition sources, and check permit status through the N.C. Forest Service. Additional advisories may be issued if conditions change or fire danger increases.

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