State extinguishes
burn ban
By Melanie Davis
melanie@mountaintimes.com

The statewide burning ban was lifted as of noon Saturday. The ban had been in effect since Feb. 14 due to the continued dry conditions.

The statewide ban covers all open flame 100 feet or more from an occupied dwelling. The area within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling was covered by a local burning ban enacted by Watauga County Fire Marshal Steve Sudderth. The local ban was also lifted at noon on Saturday.

Residents are now able to burn natural vegetation such as leaves and brush with a burning permit. Campfires and cooking fires are also now allowed.

Burning non-natural materials, such as building supplies and garbage, is illegal at all times.

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.

Those starting fires should stay with it at all times, officials said.

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.