Burn ban stays lit into November
By Melanie Davis
melanie@highcountrymedia.net

There is no end in sight for the statewide burn ban. The ban was issued as a part of the governor’s drought advisory. Extremely dry conditions would lead to a fire easily getting out of control.

The fall season adds dangerous foliage and tree debris to the ground, a quick fuel for fire.

“As we enter the fall fire season, I believe the burn ban will stay in effect for the forseeable future,” N.C. Forest Ranger Rudy Johnson said.

“The objective is to prevent property damage or, worst of all, injury and death.”

The statewide burning ban prohibits all open burning, but does not have jurisdiction within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling.

County fire marshals have the authority to implement a burn ban for that area.

Watauga County Fire Marshal Steve Sudderth stated a county ban is in place. This applies to all open burning except in a charcoal grill or other enclosed cooking device.

Sudderth also advises to be aware of ashes from an indoor fireplace.

“Those embers have been known to stay hot for up to two weeks,” he said. “When emptying a fireplace, be sure ashes are placed in a metal container outside and water poured over them.”

The Blue Ridge Parkway falls under federal jurisdiction. A burn ban was placed in effect months ago prohibiting fires in the campgrounds.

Similar to the county ban, only grills or enclosed fire for cooking purposes is allowed. The campgrounds have closed for the season, however, the ban is still in effect for roadside picnic areas.

Watauga County has not had a wildfire or brush fire out of containment thus far in the season. Sudderth stated this fact is a result of quick action by the firefighters in the county and citizen cooperation with the burn ban.
“If we were to have a major brush or wildland fire at this point, it would stretch our resources, not only the fire departments man power but our local rivers and streams are down and inside city limits stretch the water table,” Assistant Fire Marshall Paul Buchanan said.

Violating the burn ban could result in a $100 fine and court costs.

If N.C. forest rangers are employed to control a fire, the person responsible for the fire could also be responsible for the N.C. Forest Service’s costs related to extinguishing the fire.