Asheville Under Burn Ban as Air Quality Forecast Reaches Yellow

Extreme fire danger conditions prompt statewide open burning restrictions

Apr. 17, 2026 at 12:00am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A vast, atmospheric landscape painting depicting the Appalachian mountains shrouded in a dramatic, golden-hued haze, conveying the overwhelming scale and power of the natural environment during a period of heightened fire danger.As the Asheville region faces heightened wildfire risk, a thick haze settles over the Appalachian mountains, underscoring the need for vigilance and proactive fire prevention measures.Asheville Today

The Asheville-Buncombe Air Quality Agency has issued a 'yellow' air quality forecast for the Asheville and Buncombe County valleys, prompting a statewide open burning ban by the North Carolina Forest Service due to adverse atmospheric conditions including low humidity, gusty winds, and dry fuels. The local burn ban applies to all open burning within 100 feet of a structure, with only barbecue grills and outdoor food preparation devices exempted.

Why it matters

Burn bans are critical during periods of high fire danger to protect public safety and property, as open burning can quickly escalate into uncontrolled wildfires. Asheville and Buncombe County have seen an increase in wildfire risk in recent years due to drought conditions and changing climate patterns.

The details

The North Carolina Forest Service has issued a statewide open burning ban effective Saturday, March 28, 2026, prohibiting all open burning including campfires, fire pits, yard waste, and land-clearing burns 100 feet or more from a structure. The local Buncombe County burn ban applies to open burning within 100 feet of a structure. The only exceptions are for barbecue grills and outdoor food preparation devices.

  • The statewide open burning ban by the North Carolina Forest Service takes effect on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
  • The local Buncombe County burn ban applies to all open burning within 100 feet of a structure.

The players

North Carolina Forest Service

A state agency responsible for managing and protecting North Carolina's forests, including issuing burn bans during periods of high fire danger.

Buncombe County Fire Marshal

The local authority responsible for issuing burn bans within Buncombe County, including the area around Asheville.

Asheville-Buncombe Air Quality Agency

The local agency that monitors and reports on air quality conditions in the Asheville and Buncombe County region.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The burn bans will remain in effect until atmospheric conditions have improved and the fire danger has subsided.

The takeaway

This burn ban highlights the increasing threat of wildfires in the Asheville region due to climate change, and the importance of proactive measures to protect public safety during periods of high fire risk.