This news item expired on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
Update: Wednesday, April 2
Based on the current and forecasted weather conditions, control status of active fires in the region, and County resources no longer deployed to other fires, the Buncombe County burning ban will be lifted as of 10 a.m. Wednesday April 2.
Please follow all safety requirements as listed in the local ordinance, most importantly NEVER LEAVE A FIRE UNATTENDED. The only thing permissible to burn is natural occurring vegetation that grows on your own property.
"We want to thank our residents for their attention and adherence to this burn ban," said Buncombe County Fire Marshal Kevin Tipton. "We also want to thank our local community fire departments for their hard work controlling the fires and for assisting with community messaging regarding the wildfire situation in our county and region."
Update: Tuesday, April 1
The N.C. Forest Service has lifted a ban on all open burning effective 8 a.m. Wednesday, April 2. At that time, burn permits will be available statewide.
Update: Sunday, March 23
A message from the Buncombe County Fire Marshal:
Buncombe County is currently seeing a lot of smoke and haze from fires burning in our neighboring counties. The Fire Marshal is urging Buncombe residents not to report smoke to 911 unless you see a column of smoke or flames.
Thank you and please remember we are currently under a statewide burn ban.
Due to increased fire risk, the N.C. Forest Service has issued a ban on all open burning and has canceled all burning permits statewide effective 8 a.m. Friday, March 21, until further notice.
The Buncombe County Fire Marshal’s Office had previously issued an open burning ban due to extreme fire danger conditions that are forecasted, including low humidity, and strong, gusty winds. The County's burn ban will now run concurrently with the state ban.
To report illegal burning, call Buncombe County Emergency Services at 828-250-6650 or 911.
From the N.C. Forest Service Press Release:
RALEIGH – Due to increased fire risk, the N.C. Forest Service has issued a ban on all open burning and has canceled all burning permits statewide effective 8 a.m. Friday, March 21, until further notice.
“It is spring 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 wildfires starting and spreading quickly. Our top priority is always to protect lives, property and forestland across the state. It is imperative that folks adhere to this burn ban until further notice.”
Under North Carolina law, the ban prohibits all open burning in all 100 counties in this instance, regardless of whether a permit was previously issued. The issuance of any new permits has also been suspended until the ban is lifted. Anyone violating the burn ban faces a $100 fine plus $183 court costs. Any person responsible for setting a fire may be liable for any expenses related to extinguishing the fire.
The burn ban does not apply to fires started within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. A local fire marshal has authority to issue a burn ban within that 100 feet space.
Local fire departments and law enforcement officers are assisting the N.C. Forest Service in enforcing the burn ban.
The N.C. Forest Service will continue to monitor conditions. Residents with questions regarding a specific county can contact their N.C. Forest Service county ranger or their county fire marshal’s office.