North Raleigh Today

The North Carolina Forest Service has reiterated the continuation of a statewide ban on open burning due to critical fire weather conditions affecting most of the state. The combination of strong winds, low humidity, and warm temperatures is leading to extreme fire behavior.

Forest Service personnel are actively responding to multiple large wildfires across various districts while also addressing reports of illegal fires during the burn ban. The use of outdoor fires during this period is prohibited by law and strains response efforts.

Several significant fires are currently active in the state. In Polk County, the Black Cove Fire spans 1,239 acres with no containment, the Deep Woods Fire covers 1,102 acres also without containment, and the Fish Hook Fire is 152 acres with 50% containment. These fires face challenges due to debris and rugged terrain.

In Western North Carolina, other notable wildfires include the Old Hwy 16 #1 Fire in Wilkes County at about 200 acres and 50% contained, the Iron Circle Fire in Burke County at approximately 160 acres and 50% contained, and the Caleb Lane Fire in Caldwell County at about 50 acres with no containment.

District 10 personnel are managing the Goinstown Road Fire near Stokes/Rockingham County line, which is around 50 acres with no containment. In Caswell County, personnel are handling the Anderson Road Fire, estimated between 20-30 acres with 50% containment.

Since March 1st, there have been 1,040 wildfires on state and private lands in North Carolina. Almost all these fires are human-caused and thus preventable.

The burn ban took effect at 8 a.m. on Friday, March 21st. All existing burning permits have been canceled and no new permits will be issued until further notice.

Additionally, flying drones near or over wildfires is illegal as they pose a threat to firefighting aircraft operating at low altitudes to support ground crews. Drones can endanger pilot safety and disrupt operations.

For updates on wildfire activity across North Carolina or to subscribe for notifications from the N.C. Forest Service regarding wildfires and burn bans, visit their official websites provided in their communications.