Last Updated on April 6, 2025 10:44 am
Watauga County received extensive damage from Hurricane Helene, winter wind and the recent ice storm. With warm weather and longer days, residents are venturing outside to begin the process of spring cleanup. The North Carolina Forest Service and Boone Fire Department want to remind everyone that, consistent with state law and local ordinances, debris burning of any kind is not permitted within the Town of Boone limits. Debris for this purpose includes leaves, branches and other plant growth as well as garbage, paper, tires, building materials, and any other type of human-made or human-processed materials of any kind.
Watauga County Sanitation accepts yard debris Monday through Saturday at a rate of $59 per ton. Homeowners receive 2000 pounds per address free of charge. The individual hauling the debris must have the drivers license showing the address the debris is credited to.
All county residents are asked to obtain a burning permit before burning. Burn permits can be obtained at your local fire station or at the following link: https://apps.ncagr.gov/burnpermits/
“Whether performing cleanup or a fresh landscape installation, we would like you to follow a few tips to protect your home from the dangers of wildfires.” Says Fire Prevention Captain Jacob Burleson of Boone Fire Department.
- CLEAR leaves and other vegetative debris from roofs, gutters, porches and decks. This helps prevent embers from igniting your home.
- REMOVE dead vegetation and other items from under your deck or porch and within 10 feet of the house.
- SCREEN in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent debris and combustible materials from accumulating.
- REMOVE combustible materials (wood piles, propane tanks) from within 30 feet of your home’s foundation and outbuildings, including garages and sheds. If it can catch fire, don’t let it touch your house, deck or porch.
- Wildfire can spread to treetops. PRUNE trees so the lowest branches are 6 to 10 feet from the ground.
- KEEP your lawn hydrated and maintained. If its brown, cut it down to reduce fire intensity. Dry grass and shrubs are fuel for wildfire.
- Don’t let debris and lawn cuttings linger. DISPOSE of these items quickly to reduce fuel for fire.
- INSPECT shingles or roof tiles. Replace or repair the shingles that are loose or missing to prevent ember penetration.
- COVER exterior attic vents with metal wire mesh no larger than 1/8 inch to prevent embers from entering the home.
- ENCLOSE eaves and screen soffit vents using 1/8 mesh metal screening to prevent ember entry.
“Don’t let complacency catch you. Watauga County’s wildfire potential hasn’t been this high in a long time. With the recent storms we have had, the fuel load on the ground will remain for years to come and it will be all too easy to let a harmless campfire or weekend clean-up project escape into storm damaged areas and pose a major threat to life, property and resources. Stay vigilant with proper and smart fire safety procedures.” Says Andrew Harsey, Watauga County Ranger, North Carolina Forest Service.
Town of Boone residents are allowed up to three free yard debris, brush, leaf or junk pickups per year. Boone’s Spring Litter Sweep is April 12th – 26th and residents may receive an additional free pick-up during those two weeks. The next “Boone Clean-Up Day” is scheduled for April 12th. For more information about this, or to schedule a pick-up, contact Public Works at (828) 268-6230.
Town of Boone, North Carolina Code of Ordinances can be viewed on the Town website: www.townofboone.net. For questions and other safety tips contact Boone Fire Department at (828) 268-6180. More useful fire safety information can be obtained from the North Carolina Forest Service at https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/nc-forest-service or from the National Fire Protection Association at www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/wildfire/firewise-usa.
