Old North News

March marks the start of spring wildfire season in North Carolina, prompting the N.C. Forest Service to advise residents on best practices for outdoor burning, particularly yard debris burns. The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has left Western North Carolina counties with significant storm debris, increasing their vulnerability to wildfires.

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler emphasized the importance of collective efforts in reducing wildfire risks: “We reduce our wildfire risk by working together,” he said. He highlighted that the N.C. Forest Service is prepared for wildfire response and urged residents to make informed decisions and plan ahead when starting fires.

Escaped yard debris burns are a leading cause of wildfires in the state, often resulting from carelessness. Greg Hicks, N.C. Forest Service Assistant Commissioner and State Forester, noted: “Careless behaviors, such as burning on the wrong day, leaving a fire unattended, not staying with a fire until it is fully extinguished, can result in a fire escaping and becoming a dangerous wildfire that quickly threatens lives and property.” Hicks recommended consulting local NCFS county rangers for guidance on safe outdoor burning practices.

The N.C. Forest Service provided several tips for safe burning: checking local burning laws and obtaining valid permits; avoiding burns on dry or windy days; preparing adequately with tools like hoses and shovels; and never using flammable liquids to ignite debris. Residents are advised to stay with their fires until they are completely out.

These safety measures apply equally to campfires and grills. Residents should ensure all embers are thoroughly doused with water or mixed with dirt until cold.

For more information on fire safety and creating defensible spaces around homes, residents can visit Fire Safety Outdoors or www.resistwildfirenc.org. Contact details for county rangers are available at www.ncforestservice.gov/contacts.