Last Updated on March 25, 2026 9:08 am
The North Carolina Forest Service is warning of elevated wildfire risk across the state on Tuesday, March 25, with fire danger ranging from high to extreme in most of North Carolina.
The western mountains, including the High Country, are under very high fire danger, while much of the central Piedmont — including areas around Charlotte, Greensboro, and Raleigh — is rated extreme. Eastern North Carolina is generally under moderate to high conditions.
What High Fire Danger Means
- Fires can start from the smallest spark.
- Dry conditions and wind increase fire spread.
- Everyday activities carry more risk right now.
The NC Forest Service is urging residents to avoid burning and to be cautious with anything that could cause a spark.
While there are no state-issued burn bans currently in effect, outdoor burning is strongly discouraged until conditions improve. Residents with a valid burning permit are reminded that just because they can burn does not mean they should.
The elevated fire danger comes as two wildfires continue to burn in western North Carolina — the Poplar Fire in Mitchell County and the Tarkiln Ridge Fire in Clay County.
Resources
- Check fire danger: climate.ncsu.edu/fire
- Check weather alerts: weather.gov
- Contact your local NCFS county ranger: ncagr.gov/divisions/nc-forest-service/contacts
- Wildfire prevention tips: PreventWildfireNC.org
Source: North Carolina Forest Service
