RALEIGH, N.C. — Spring wildfire season is hitting North Carolina hard, with state officials reporting a sharp surge in fire activity over the past week and a half. According to the N.C. Forest Service, rangers have responded to 626 wildfires since Friday, March 20—an unusually high number even for the state’s active spring fire period.
At least 114 of those fires have ignited since the statewide ban on open burning took effect at 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 28. Officials say the trend underscores a troubling reality: despite the ban, human activity continues to spark new fires.
“The fact that we’ve had more than 100 new fire ignitions during a statewide ban on open burning should reinforce the sense of urgency that needs to be taken with this ban,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Not a single one of the wildfires that have started since Sunday, March 29, were the result of a lightning strike or natural ignition source. That leaves most, if not all, of these ignitions as being the result of human activity, reminding us that people are the best defense against wildfire.”
Following the implementation of the ban, the N.C. Forest Service canceled nearly 18,000 digital burn permits that had been issued online in the 30 days prior. That figure does not include permits issued in person by Forest Service staff or local permitting agents. Under state law, all active burn permits are voided during a state‑issued burn ban, and no new permits may be issued until the ban is lifted.
Troxler emphasized that while burn bans help reduce wildfire risk, they cannot eliminate it entirely.
“While burn bans reduce the number of wildfires, burn bans do not prevent them from happening,” he said. “Careless debris burning continues to be the leading cause of wildfire in this state, and it is imperative that the public acknowledge responsibility through action by adhering to the ban.”
The Forest Service continues to urge residents to avoid any outdoor burning, remain vigilant about fire safety, and report suspicious or unsafe activity. Officials warn that dry vegetation, gusty winds and low humidity can cause even small sparks to spread rapidly.
More information about burn bans, wildfire prevention and risk reduction is available on the N.C. Forest Service website.
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