Statewide burn

ban lifted
By Melanie Davis
melanie@highcountrymedia.net

Recent rainfall has provided some relief to High Country.

The statewide burning ban was lifted at 5 p.m. Thursday. The ban has been in effect since October due to severe drought conditions.

The statewide ban encompassed all open flame, but did not cover areas within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling.

This area was covered by a local burning ban issued by Watauga County Fire Marshal Steve Suddreth. Both bans have been lifted.

Residents are now able to burn natural vegetation such as leaves and brush.

Recreational fires, such as campfires and cooking fires are also now legal. Non-natural materials, such as building materials and garbage, are illegal to burn under any circumstances.

N.C. Forest Service ranger Rudy Johnson would like to remind residents to practice safe burning techniques. Those precautions include clearing an area for a fire break, a ring around the area to be burnt to prevent fire from spreading.

A responsible individual should stay with the fire at all times.

Tools, equipment and a water source should be available at the fire site, along with enough people to control the fire if it breaks out of the containment area. The person responsible for the fire should ensure coals and embers are fully extinguished before leaving the site.

For more information on burning permits or safety precautions, contact the Watauga County Fire Marshal’s office at (828)264-4235.