NC Law Prohibits Cornelius From Burning Under State Decree

CORNELIUS, NC — A ban on open burning has been issued by the N.C Forest Service statewide until further notice due to dangerous conditions for fires.

“It is fall wildfire season in North Carolina, and we are seeing wildfire activity increase due to dry conditions,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “With these ongoing conditions, a statewide burn ban is necessary to reduce the risk of fires starting and spreading quickly. Our top priority is always to protect lives, property and forestland across the state.”

Permits will not be issued and existing permits for fires are rendered void by the burn ban.

According to the N.C Forest service, open burning includes burning leaves, branches or other plant material. Burning trash, lumber, tires, newspapers, plastics or other nonvegetative material is always illegal.

The National Weather Service issued its own warning Tuesday, saying conditions are ripe for fires. "Winds are expected to increase in the southwest, with guests of 15 to 20 mph during the afternoon," the forecast states. Gusts coupled with low humidity "will allow fires to develop easily and spread more quickly than usual."

Anyone who violates the burn ban faces a $100 fine plus $183 court costs and if their fire results in damage, they can be held responsible for that.
This comes on the heels of a massive fire at Pilot Mountain which forestry officials state was human-caused.

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