Last Updated on May 4, 2026 1:53 pm
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service has lifted fire restrictions across all four National Forests in North Carolina, following the end of the statewide burn ban in 81 counties.
Recent widespread rainfall helped reduce overall fire danger across much of the state. Forest visitors may once again build campfires and use camp stoves and fire rings on National Forest lands.
The Forest Service noted that several areas — particularly near the Uwharrie National Forest — may continue to experience warmer and windy weather in the days ahead, and offered the following campfire safety reminders: make sure your campfire is a safe distance from your tent or anything that could ignite unexpectedly; use rocks to create a fire ring in the center of a large, clear area; use the Drown-Stir-Drown-Feel method to extinguish your campfire safely. More campfire safety information is available at smokeybear.com/campfire-safety.
Exception: Roan Mountain area remains restricted
While fire restrictions on National Forest lands have been lifted statewide, the restriction on all open burning in the Roan Mountain area of the Pisgah National Forest remains in effect due to heightened wildfire risks following Hurricane Helene.
For wildfire updates, follow the National Forests in North Carolina on Facebook at facebook.com/nfsnc or visit fs.usda.gov/r08/northcarolina.
