Archived News

Burn bans still in effect

With dry conditions reigning and wildfires raging, it’s currently both dangerous and illegal to start a fire nearly anywhere in Western North Carolina.

• Frontcountry and backcountry fires are banned in the Pisgah and Nantahala national forests, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Only gas camp stoves are allowed at designated campsites. 

• A burn ban is in effect through the N.C. Forest Service covering all areas more than 100 feet from a building. Most WNC counties currently have bans in effect covering the 100 feet surrounding buildings. 

• N.C. State Parks in WNC are currently closed due to fire danger. 

Smokey Mountain News Logo
SUPPORT THE SMOKY MOUNTAIN NEWS AND
INDEPENDENT, AWARD-WINNING JOURNALISM
Go to top
Payment Information

/

At our inception 20 years ago, we chose to be different. Unlike other news organizations, we made the decision to provide in-depth, regional reporting free to anyone who wanted access to it. We don’t plan to change that model. Support from our readers will help us maintain and strengthen the editorial independence that is crucial to our mission to help make Western North Carolina a better place to call home. If you are able, please support The Smoky Mountain News.

The Smoky Mountain News is a wholly private corporation. Reader contributions support the journalistic mission of SMN to remain independent. Your support of SMN does not constitute a charitable donation. If you have a question about contributing to SMN, please contact us.