As fall wildfire season begins in North Carolina, the N.C. Forest Service is urging the public to take extra care with outdoor burning. Wildfire activity typically increases from October through early December, when falling leaves, dry vegetation and changing weather conditions can allow fires to spread quickly.
For safe burning practices to help prevent wildfire, the N.C. Forest Service offers the following guidance:
Check
- Check for burn bans or fire restrictions in your area.
- Check the weather. Never burn on dry or windy days.
- Make sure you have a valid burn permit. You can obtain a burn permit at any N.C. Forest Service office or authorized permitting agent, or online.
Prepare
- Clear the area you intend to burn. Remove leaves, pine needles and other flammable material from around your burn area.
- Keep your fire small, not tall.
- Remember, it is illegal to burn anything other than natural vegetation.
- Be sure you are fully prepared before burning. Keep tools, a water source and a cellphone nearby.
- Never use kerosene, gasoline, diesel fuel or other flammable liquids to speed up burning.
Stay
- Never leave your fire. Stay with it until it is completely out. If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.
- Drown, stir, drown, feel. Douse burning charcoal briquettes, campfires, burn piles thoroughly with water. Drown all embers, not just the red ones. When soaked, stir the coals and soak them again. Make sure everything is wet and that embers are cold to the touch. If you do not have water, mix enough dirt or sand with the embers to extinguish the fire, being careful not to bury the fire.
- Never dump hot ashes or coals into a wooded area.
Use the N.C. Forest Service website to learn more about how to prepare for and prevent wildfires. If in doubt, contact your N.C. Forest Service county ranger’s office.