Avoid burning during drought, officials ask

The N.C. Division of Forest Resources is asking people to be careful with fire because the drought has left forests dry and has resulted in an increased number of wildfires this month.

A burning ban was instituted statewide as of noon Tuesday and will remain in effect until further notice. The ban does not apply to fires started within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling in a container or under the watch of a homeowner. However even small fires around the home should be watched carefully or avoided if possible.

With 188 wildfires so far in August statewide, the state is on pace to surpass the 200 wildfires that occur on average for the month. The summer months are usually wetter and result in fewer wildfires in North Carolina. Wildfire activity typically increases from mid- October to mid-December—one of two fire seasons in the Tar Heel State. But forestry officials say that the drought could thrust North Carolina into an early fall fire season this year.

The No. 1 cause of wildfires in North Carolina comes from people who were careless while burning leaves, twigs and other yard debris. Last year, 41 percent of the 5,096 wildfires were caused by careless debris burning. For that reason, the division is urging people who choose to burn debris to adhere to the following tips to prevent wildfires: