US EditionOpen Burn Ban to Be Lifted Soon for 81 NC Counties, Officials Say
Recent rainfall eased fire danger, and burn permits will be available at 8 a.m. Sunday for counties removed from the ban.
- Effective 8 a.m. Sunday, May 3, 2026, the North Carolina Forest Service lifted its open burning ban for 81 of the state's 100 counties, citing recent rainfall that moderated fire danger across the state.
- Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler rescinded the statewide order after recent rainfall provided relief, ending the ban originally issued on March 28 due to intense drought conditions across North Carolina.
- While 81 counties saw relief, 19 counties remain under the state-issued burn ban until further notice; residents in eligible areas must obtain a valid burn permit since previous permits were canceled when the ban began.
- Local fire marshals retain exclusive authority to regulate fires within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling regardless of the state's decision, and officials emphasize residents must stay with fires at all times and use proper tools.
- Troxler urged residents to remain cautious, noting the state remains in the thick of spring wildfire season when conditions can change quickly; more rain is still needed for drought recovery and soil moisture levels.
23 Articles
23 Articles
State forest service lifts burn ban for 81 counties
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCT) -- The North Carolina Forest Service has lifted the statewide burn ban for 81 counties effective May 3. The ban on open burning has been in effect since March 28 due to periods of dry and hazardous forest conditions. “The recent rainfall has provided some relief and has moderated fire danger enough [...]
North Carolina Forest Service lifts burn ban in several counties
RALEIGH, N.C. (WWAY)– The North Carolina Forest Service has lifted its statewide burn ban for 81 counties, effective 8 a.m. Sunday. The ban was put in place March 28 due to dangerous fire conditions. Officials say recent rainfall has lowered the fire risk in those areas—but 19 counties, mostly in central North Carolina, remain under the ban until further notice. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler urges residents to stay cautious, noting the …
News & Record
Winston-Salem JournalGreensboro, Winston area remains under burn ban after restrictions lifted for parts of NC
There is some rain in the forecast for the upcoming week.
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