Burning ban lifted
By Melanie Davis
Melanie@mountaintimes.com

Wet weather over the weekend has prompted officials to lift the statewide burning ban, effective at noon on Monday, March 31.

The statewide ban was issued on Thursday by the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources. A county ban, which restricts burning within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling, became effective Saturday. Both bans have been lifted.

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 said recent rain and forecasts predicting two days of potential rain in the beginning of the week were the reason for lifting the ban.

The N.C. Drought Management Advisory Council continues to list Watauga County as in severe drought conditions.

The area is also currently in spring fire season, which officials describe as a time of high fire risk. Johnson said the spring fire season lasts until May 15. After that date, the vegetation is in a green, growing stage and the hardwood forests are leafed out to shade the forest floor.

Johnson would also 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. Individuals 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.