North Carolina Issues Statewide Burn Ban Amid Wildfire Risk

The N.C. Forest Service has banned all open burning due to severe drought conditions and heightened fire danger.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 9:49pm

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The North Carolina Forest Service has issued a statewide ban on all open burning, effective immediately, due to increased wildfire risk across the state. The ban prohibits any open burning, including campfires, fire pits, and the use of fireworks, and suspends all existing burning permits until further notice. Violators face fines and liability for any fire-related expenses.

Why it matters

North Carolina has experienced severe drought conditions in recent months, leaving the state's forests and vegetation highly flammable. This statewide burn ban is a necessary precaution to reduce the number of new wildfires and protect public safety, as even small outdoor fires could quickly escalate into dangerous blazes during these dry conditions.

The details

The burn ban, issued by Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler, prohibits all open burning statewide, regardless of whether a permit was previously issued. The issuance of any new permits has also been suspended until the ban is lifted. Violators face a $100 fine plus $183 in court costs, and may be liable for any expenses related to extinguishing a fire they start. The ban does not apply to fires within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling, which fall under the jurisdiction of local fire marshals.

  • The burn ban went into effect at 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
  • The ban will remain in place until further notice, as the N.C. Forest Service continues to monitor conditions.

The players

N.C. Forest Service

The state agency responsible for managing and protecting North Carolina's forests, which has issued the statewide burn ban due to heightened wildfire risk.

Steve Troxler

The North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner who announced the statewide burn ban.

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What they’re saying

“'With drought severity across the state, forecast fire weather and the potential for limited rainfall, it is critical to reduce the number of new fire starts.'”

— Steve Troxler, North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner

What’s next

The N.C. Forest Service will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates on the burn ban as the situation evolves.

The takeaway

This statewide burn ban underscores the serious wildfire risk facing North Carolina due to prolonged drought conditions. It is a necessary precaution to protect public safety and prevent potentially devastating blazes from igniting, and highlights the importance of fire prevention measures during periods of heightened environmental risk.