Last Updated on April 15, 2026 2:10 pm
The Watauga County Fire Marshal's Office has issued a local burn ban that runs concurrently with the statewide ban already in effect, adding an additional layer of restriction and a $100 fine per offense for violations within the county.
Fire Marshal Shane Garland announced the local ban Wednesday, citing persistent hazardous fire conditions. In addition to the North Carolina Forest Service's statewide burn ban, the local order prohibits all open burning within 100 feet of any structure, in accordance with North Carolina Fire Prevention Code Section 307.1.1, which states that open burning shall be prohibited when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous.
All open burning permits are cancelled for the duration of the ban. Cooking and heating fires must be contained within a grill or other appliance designed for that purpose. Violations will result in a $100 fine per offense.
The local ban will remain in effect for the duration of the NC Forest Service statewide burning ban.
Questions can be directed to the Watauga County Emergency Services office at (828) 264-4235.
