North Carolina Lifts Statewide Burn Ban as Fire Conditions Ease

The N.C. Forest Service has announced the lifting of a statewide ban on all open burning, effective 8 a.m. Wednesday, April 2, 2025. The ban, initially imposed on March 21 due to hazardous forest fire conditions, will no longer restrict residents from conducting open burns across the state as of that time.

The decision comes as a relief to many, though it does not extend to fires within 100 feet of occupied dwellings. In those cases, authority remains with local fire marshals, who can issue or lift bans specific to their jurisdictions. Notably, the Clay County Fire Marshal’s Office has confirmed it will also lift its local burn ban within 100 feet of structures, aligning with the statewide change on Tuesday, April 2, 2025, at 8 a.m.

With the ban’s end, burn permits will once again be available statewide starting Wednesday morning. Residents can obtain permits from authorized agents or online at https://apps.ncagr.gov/burnpermits/. The N.C. Forest Service noted that all permits issued prior to the March 21 ban were canceled when it took effect, meaning anyone planning to burn must secure a new, valid permit.

For those with questions or seeking county-specific guidance, the N.C. Forest Service advises contacting local county rangers or fire marshals. Contact details for county rangers are available at www.ncforestservice.gov/contacts. Additional information on the burn ban and permit process can be found on the N.C. Forest Service website.

As the state transitions out of heightened fire risk, residents are urged to stay informed and comply with local regulations to ensure safe burning practices.