Last Updated on March 31, 2026 5:51 pm
RALEIGH – Spring wildfire season in North Carolina is in full swing, with fire activity surging statewide over the last 10 days. Since Friday, March 20, N.C. Forest Service rangers have responded to 626 wildfires across the state. Not including today, at least 114 of those fires have started since the statewide ban on open burning became effective at 6 p.m., Saturday, March 28.
“The fact that we've had more than 100 new fire ignitions during a statewide ban on open burning should reinforce the sense of urgency that needs to be taken with this ban,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Not a single one of the wildfires that have started since Sunday, March 29, were the result of a lightning strike or natural ignition source. That leaves most, if not all, of these ignitions as being the result of human activity, reminding us that people are the best defense against wildfire.”
Following enactment of the state ban on open burning, the N.C. Forest Service canceled nearly 18,000 digital burn permits that were issued online during the 30-day period before the ban became effective. This total does not include the burning permits that were issued in person by either the N.C. Forest Service or local burn permitting agents. Congruent with general statute, the N.C. Forest Service cancels all burn permits and suspends the issuance of new burn permits during a state-issued burn ban.
“While burn bans reduce the number of wildfires, burn bans do not prevent them from happening,” added Troxler. “Careless debris burning continues to be the leading cause of wildfire in this state, and it is imperative that the public acknowledge responsibility through action by adhering to the burn ban.”
For information about burn bans, wildfire, wildfire prevention and risk reduction, visit the N.C. Forest Service website.
