(Asheville, N.C., March 17, 2026) The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service will resume prescribed fire operations across the four National Forests in North Carolina as early as Wednesday, March 18, through the end of spring, pending all required approvals. Fire managers expect prescribed burning to occur over the coming weeks as weather conditions allow.
Prescribed fire is used to reduce hazardous fuels, improve forest health, and help protect nearby communities, infrastructure, and natural resources from the risk of damaging wildfire. Since the beginning of March, the Forest Service has completed more than 10,500 acres of prescribed burning, including:
- Pisgah National Forest -- 1,555 acres
- Nantahala National Forest -- 4,509 acres
- Uwharrie National Forest -- 1,110 acres
- Croatan National Forest -- 3,390 acres
Burning may take place across ranger districts when conditions meet specific safety and environmental requirements. Fire managers carefully evaluate weather, fuel conditions, and smoke dispersion before each burn begins.
Some areas may close to the public for several days for safety. Visitors should watch for posted signs along roads and trails near prescribed fire areas before and after operations.
Residents may see or smell smoke during prescribed burns. For more information about air quality, visit AirNow.gov or download the mobile app. When driving, slow down, turn on headlights, watch for firefighters and equipment working along roadways.
Prescribed fire is one of the most effective tools land managers use to reduce wildfire risk and maintain healthy forest ecosystems. These carefully planned burns help remove excess vegetation that can fuel large wildfires while supporting wildlife habitat and resilient landscapes.
Updates about prescribed burning will be shared through the National Forests in North Carolina website (www.fs.usda.gov/nfsnc
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