Last Updated on May 1, 2026 11:37 am
BOONE — The Watauga County Fire Marshal's Office and the Town of Boone Fire Department are lifting the local ban on outdoor burning effective 5 p.m. Friday, May 1, 2026.
The removal applies only to small fires such as burn pits and grills within 100 feet of a dwelling. Officials are urging residents to use extreme caution, monitor all fires, and ensure they are fully extinguished.
Fire officials said an extensive green-up and growth in the tree canopy over the past few weeks has lowered the danger of outdoor fires. The lifting of the local ban allows residents to have small recreational fires within 100 feet of their homes.
The Town of Boone ordinance does not allow for the burning of brush or yard debris.
The Watauga County Fire Marshal's Office and Boone Fire strongly encourage anyone planning an outdoor fire to take precautions to ensure the fire is contained at all times, to keep a water hose nearby, and to have someone stay with the fire until it is extinguished. Residents are also asked to keep an eye on weather conditions.
The North Carolina Forest Service statewide burn ban remains in force, and the removal of the local ban does not change any element of the state ban. All open burning permits are still cancelled during this time. No burning of any kind is allowed farther than 100 feet from a residence.
