State and Town of Franklin Lifts Burn Ban Effective 8am Wednesday, Macon County Lifts Burn Ban US Army Corps of Engineers to Remove Storm Debris in Macon County

**5.28pm** The Town of Franklin will rescind its Declaration of a Fire Emergency Effective at 8am Wednesday, April 02, 2025

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PRESS RELEASE (04-01-2025)
MACON COUNTY FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE

The Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and their contractors are working in Macon County, removing Helene storm debris from the waterways of the Little Tennessee River, Cullasaja River, and Cartoogecheye Creek. This work is expected to last until the end of April, possibly longer. We ask that the public cooperate with USACE to ensure safe and effective removal this debris.

PRESS RELEASE (04-01-2025)
MACON COUNTY FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE

Due to recent rainfall, the burn ban implemented by the Macon County Fire Marshal's Office pursuant to North Carolina Fire Code Section 307.1.1 prohibiting open burning within 100 feet of a dwelling including burning leaves, branches or other plant material is hereby lifted immediately. Residents should still use caution when burning. The North Carolina Forest Service currently still has a ban on all open burning over 100 feet from a dwelling. A press release will be issued by that agency when their burn ban is lifted.

PRESS RELEASE (04-01-2025)
NORTH CAROLINA FOREST SERVICE

Burn ban lifted for all North Carolina counties as conditions improve

The N.C. Forest Service has lifted a ban on all open burning effective 8 a.m. Wednesday, April 2. The statewide ban went into effect on March 21 due to hazardous forest fire conditions.

“We’ve received some well-timed, much-needed rain over the last couple days which has helped reduce fire danger, allowing us to lift burn ban restrictions across the state,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “However, we are still in the midst of spring wildfire season and our recent wildfire activity, especially in Western North Carolina, is a reminder to remain vigilant about burning safely and responsibly.”

The lifting of the burn ban does not apply to fires started within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. The local fire marshal has authority to issue or lift a burn ban within that 100 feet.

As of 8 a.m. Wednesday, April 2, burn permits are available statewide. Residents can obtain a burn permit from any authorized permitting agent or online at https://apps.ncagr.gov/burnpermits/. All burn permits granted before the statewide burn ban were canceled when the ban became effective. A valid permit must be obtained.

Residents with questions regarding their specific county can contact their local N.C. Forest Service county ranger or county fire marshal’s office. To find contact information for your local NCFS county ranger, visit www.ncforestservice.gov/contacts.