NC Forest Service Lifts Burn Ban for Macon County Effective 8am Sunday, May 3rd

 RALEIGH – The N.C. Forest Service has lifted a ban on all open burning for 81 counties effective 8 a.m. Sunday, May 3. The statewide ban on open burning went into effect March 28 due to hazardous forest fire conditions, and the ban remains in effect for Alamance, Anson, Cabarrus, Chatham, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Gaston, Guilford, Iredell, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Moore, Randolph, Rockingham, Rowan, Stanly, Stokes and Union counties until further notice.  

“The recent rainfall has provided some relief and has moderated fire danger enough for us to lift the ban on open burning in 81 counties,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “However, we’re still in the thick of spring wildfire season when conditions can change quickly and frequently. We still need rain to move us forward with drought recovery, improving soil moisture and water levels. Be extremely vigilant with any outdoor burning if you’re in one of the 81 counties no longer under the state-issued ban. Make sure you have a valid burn permit, tools and a water source, and stay with your fire. If you’re in one of the 19 counties still under the state-issued burn ban, be patient and hold off on burning. We need more rain in your area to lift the ban. With the persistent drought, it’s important for all of us to use extreme caution when handling potential ignition sources such as machinery and motorized equipment. When in doubt, lean on your N.C. Forest Service county ranger’s office for guidance and best practices.”

The lifting of the burn ban in 81 counties 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 those 100 feet.

As of 8 a.m. Sunday, May 3, burn permits are available in the counties no longer under the state’s ban on open burning. Residents in those counties 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. To legally burn in the counties no longer under the state’s ban, 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.

To learn more about preparing for and preventing wildfires, visit www.preventwildfirenc.org.

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N.C. Forest Service calls on the public to use best practices and common sense ahead of spring wildfire season

Photo ©Bobby Coggins, taken 11-28-2016 on Wayah Bald.

 RALEIGH, NC (February 23, 2026)

With North Carolina’s spring wildfire season arriving at a time when most of the state is experiencing moderate to severe drought, the N.C. Forest Service is urging the public to apply best practices and common sense with all outdoor fire, especially yard debris burns.

“With the recent rainfall combined with multiple winter storms earlier this year, /';some folks may not realize that most of North Carolina is still experiencing very dry conditions,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Our state’s gradual descent into drought and prolonged dry conditions means wildfires can ignite more easily, burn more intensely and spread quicker. The best defense against wildfires will always be to prevent them from starting.”

Escaped yard debris burns, largely due to carelessness, continue to be the leading cause of wildfires across the state, accounting for nearly half of all wildfires in North Carolina. In general, human activity is responsible for 99% of wildfires, and spring weather tends to draw people outdoors to work in their yards with many choosing to burn as a method to dispose of leaves, limbs and other yard debris.

“A fire can escape in a matter of seconds, especially on warm days when winds are gusty,” Troxler added. “This means you never leave a fire unattended until it is completely out and cold.”

Other forms of human caused wildfires stem from machine and vehicle use, dragging tow chains, arson and escaped campfires.

Western North Carolina counties that suffered substantial forest damage during Hurricane Helene remain especially vulnerable to wildfires due to dead and dying timber contributing to an excessive debris and fuel load.

Before starting an outdoor fire, contact your local NCFS county ranger’s office. For safe burning practices to help prevent wildfire, the NCFS offers the following guidance:

• Check local burning laws. Some communities allow burning only during specified hours. Others forbid it entirely.
• Make sure you have a valid permit. You can obtain a burn permit at any N.C. Forest Service office or authorized permitting agent, or online at www.ncforestservice.gov/burnpermits.
• Keep an eye on the weather. Don’t burn on dry, windy days.
• Local fire officials can recommend a safe way to burn debris. Don’t pile vegetation on the ground. Instead, place it in a cleared area and contain it in a screened receptacle away from overhead branches and wires.
• Be sure you are fully prepared before burning. To control the fire, you will need a hose, bucket, steel rake and a shovel for tossing dirt on the fire. Keep a phone nearby, too.
• Never use kerosene, gasoline, diesel fuel or other flammable liquids to speed up debris burning.
• Stay with your fire until it is completely out. If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.
• These same tips apply to campfires and grills as well. Douse burning charcoal briquettes or campfires thoroughly with water. Drown all embers, not just the red ones. When soaked, stir the coals and soak them again. Make sure everything is wet and that embers are cold to the touch. If you do not have water, mix enough dirt or sand with the embers to extinguish the fire, being careful not to bury the fire. Never dump hot ashes or coals into a wooded area.

The public is reminded to never fly a drone near, around or over a wildfire. Firefighting aircraft that respond to wildfires fly low in support of ground personnel. Drones can pose a serious threat to pilots and public safety. A drone that disrupts air operations also puts firefighters, residents and property at risk of loss to wildfire.

Where there’s fire, there’s smoke, and if you live in an area where wildfire risk is high, staying smoke-ready can be critical to personal health and well-being. Take steps now to prepare for wildfire smoke. This is especially important for smoke sensitive individuals including children, active people, older adults and people with heart or lung disease such as asthma. Being prepared means knowing where to find information about air quality and utilizing the air quality index. Use resources like www.ncair.org, https://airquality.climate.ncsu.edu/ and www.airnow.gov.

To learn more about preparing for and preventing wildfires, visit www.preventwildfirenc.org.

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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.

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N.C. Forest Service Tree Seedlings Go on Sale July 1

Photo provided.

 PRESS RELEASE (06-24-2024)

NC FOREST SERVICE

RALEIGH – The N.C. Forest Service will begin accepting orders Monday, July 1, for its annual tree seedling sale. With an average annual production of 16 million seedlings, the NCFS Nursery Program produces enough native and genetically improved tree seedlings to plant roughly 30,000 acres of land, equivalent to nearly 23,000 football fields, each year.

“Having healthy trees and forests provides many benefits to our state, including helping to clean our air and water and sequestering carbon,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “I encourage residents to take advantage of the high quality trees produced through the North Carolina Forest Service nursery program. Seedlings go quick so you’ll want to purchase them early.”

Quality conifer and hardwood seedlings are available for purchase in a range of quantities. Genetically improved stock is available for Fraser fir, loblolly, longleaf, shortleaf, Eastern white pine and Virginia pine. These seedlings offer better volume growth, tree form, disease resistance, straightness, and other characteristics needed to produce beautiful Christmas trees, healthy woodlands and quality forest products.

Customers interested in learning more about specific tree species and available inventory can speak with NCFS Nursery staff, as well as reference the ordering website or seedling catalogs.

 

How can you order tree seedlings from the NCFS Nursery Program?

• Tree seedlings can be ordered from the online seedling store at www.buynctrees.com.
• 
  
• Tree seedlings can also be ordered by phone at 1-888-NCTREES (1-888-628-7337) or 919-731-7988.
• 
  
• Tree seedlings can be ordered using the order form in our FY24-25 Nursery Seedling Catalog. Complete the form and mail to Seedling Coordinator, 762 Claridge Nursery Road, Goldsboro, NC 27530.
• 
  
• A user-friendly online catalog will soon be available at https://www.ncforestservice.gov/nursery/NurseryandTreeImprovement.htm. Seedling catalogs will also be available at local NCFS offices beginning in July. Within the catalog, landowners can find information about the types of tree species, quantities and cost to order. Each species description includes information about ideal planting locations and whether a species is typically used to benefit wildlife, restore forest habitats or as marketable timber.
• 
  
• Accepted methods of payment are check, money order, Mastercard and Visa.

Most containerized seedlings are available and used October through March while most bare root seedlings are available and used January through March. Seedling orders can be shipped to one of 13 distribution centers statewide for a small fee or via UPS for a charge. Seedling orders are also available for pickup from the NCFS Claridge Nursery in Goldsboro or the Linville River Nursery near Crossnore.

 

For information on planting trees, customers are encouraged to contact their local NCFS county ranger. Contact information for NCFS county office and nursery locations is available at www.ncforestservice.gov/contacts.

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U.S. Forest Service conducts prescribed burns for Thursday, March 21, 2024 Prescribed burning: a versatile forest management tool, key to limiting wildfire risk.

Photo taken at the Camp Branch Fire on 11-28-2016 by Bobby Coggins 

PRESS RELEASE (03-21-2024)

NATIONAL FOREST IN NORTH CAROLINA

Asheville, NC, March 21, 2024 – The National Forest in North Carolina is planning controlled burn operations today in the Pisgah National Forest, the Nantahala National Forest and the Croatan National Forest. Burn operations may continue as long as weather and fuel conditions remain favorable for safe, effective burns. The goals for the burns are promoting fire-adapted Southern Appalachian hardwood and key pine species habitat as well as reducing hazardous fuel accumulation to reduce the probability of unplanned wildland fire ignitions. Details about the burn unit is included below:

Pisgah National Forest

Appalachian Ranger District – 310-acres in Madison County, approximately 3 miles NE of Hot Springs. Smoke will be visible from US-25/70, NC-209, the town of Hot Springs, and the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. The Appalachian Trail AT does not traverse the burn unit and no closures are anticipated for this burn. However, smoke may impact the AT, particularly from Tanyard Gap to Hurricane Gap.

 

FS Road 467 (Hurricane Gap Rd.) and FS Road 467A will remain open for the burning period so that visitors may access Rich Mountain Fire Lookout, but we ask that visitors exercise caution and adhere to any posted caution signs in the prescribed fire areas/roads for the safety of fire personnel.

Grandfather Ranger District – 1200-acre prescribed burn on the Grandfather Ranger District on the Caldwell/Avery County line, North of Mortimer. This burn is in the Wilson Creek unit located 8 miles Northwest of Collettsville, NC and 7 miles Southwest of Blowing Rock.

Nantahala National Forest

Nantahala Ranger District – 1448-acres in Clay and Macon Counties. near sections of the Kimsey Creek, Park Gap and Park Ridge trails. No trail closures are anticipated for today.

Croatan National Forest

Croatan Ranger District – two burn units consisting of 758-acres in Craven County, located off Catfish Lake Road and Little Road, 4 miles west of the district office and 183-acres in Carteret County off Lake Road near the community of Newport, 12 miles south of the district office.

Please note, although there are some areas of high fire weather alerts throughout NC, the burn areas remain within moderate conditions which in turn provide excellent prescribed burn opportunities.

Helicopters will be utilized to assist during the burns. No drone/UAV use is permitted during burn operations. Please remember, if you fly, we can't.

The date and time of any controlled burn and the actual number of acres may change based on fuel and weather conditions.

We ask that anyone near the burn units pay attention to posted signs and watch carefully for wildland firefighters and personnel working in the area. We will monitor wind speed and direction to try and limit smoke impacts on nearby communities, but please be aware of any smoke in the area.

 

Why controlled burns/prescribed fire?

Fire is a natural part of our forests in North Carolina. Prescribed fires, also known as controlled burns, are an important tool for maintaining that natural process and reducing fuels that build up on the forest floor, while ensuring public and firefighter safety.

 

How does the USFS plan for a burn?

All controlled burns are thoroughly planned and analyzed by a team of specialists to ensure that wildlife, fisheries, rare plants, and historic sites are not harmed. They use information from decades of fire science research to write controlled burn plans, which are also known as a “prescription”, to improve forest health.

 

Who participates in a burn? What do they look for?

Wildland firefighters and fire management teams that respond to wildfires are the same people that plan and carefully set controlled burns. They go through extensive training to ensure firefighter and public safety, reduce the impacts of smoke on nearby communities, and set the burns so that they improve forest conditions. Fire managers consider wind speed/direction, relative humidity, conditions on the forest floor, and other factors before and during a burn. They plan for these fires to move slowly and at a low intensity so that they reduce wildfire fuels and allow wildlife to either escape the area or find a refuge and avoid injury. (Often, animals like turkey and deer move in quickly after a burn to take advantage of the newly opened areas and easy to find food sources.) After a burn, fire managers will monitor the area and analyze the effects of the burn.

 

For more information on how the U.S. Forest Service uses prescribed fire, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/prescribed-fire

 

For more information, visit www.fs.usda.gov/nfsnc or follow the National Forests in North Carolina on Facebook (www.facebook.com/nfsnc).

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Burn ban issued for 14 counties in Western North Carolina due to hazardous forest fire conditions

PRESS RELEASE (11-05-2023)
NC FOREST SERVICE

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 for Burke, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Graham, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain and Transylvania counties effective 5 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 5, until further notice.

“Several counties in Western North Carolina are currently in a severe drought, and we are seeing wildfire activity increase due to dry conditions. Because dry conditions are expected to continue this 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,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Even though not all areas of the North Carolina fall under the burn ban, we do encourage extreme caution with any burning as conditions are dry in many areas of the state. We will continue to assess conditions in the coming weeks to determine if we need to expand the burn ban.”

Under North Carolina law, the ban prohibits all open burning in the affected counties, 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.

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.

Answers to FAQ

Q: What is open burning?

A: Open burning includes burning leaves, branches or other plant material. In all cases, burning trash, lumber, tires, newspapers, plastics or other nonvegetative material is illegal.

Q: May I still use my grill or barbecue?

A: Yes, if no other local ordinances prohibit their use.

Q: How should I report a wildfire?

A: Call 911 to report a wildfire.

Q: How should I report a person who intentionally starts a wildfire?

A: Call 911 to report a wildfire.

Q: My local fire marshal has also issued a burn ban for my county. What does this mean?

A: The burn ban issued by the N.C. Forest service does not apply to a fire within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. Local government agencies have jurisdiction over open burning within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. The N.C. Forest Service has advised county fire marshals of the burning ban and has asked for their consideration of also implementing a burning ban. If a fire within a 100-foot area of a dwelling escapes containment, a North Carolina forest ranger may take reasonable steps to extinguish or control it. The person responsible for setting the fire may be liable for any expenses related to extinguishing the fire.

Q: Are there other instances which impact open burning?

A: Local ordinances and air quality regulations may impact open burning. For instance, outdoor burning is prohibited in areas covered by Code Orange or Code Red air quality forecasts. Learn more about air quality forecasts at https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/air-quality/air-quality-outreach-education/air-quality-forecasts.

Q: Can I have a campfire when I go camping?

A: Campfires would be considered open burning and are not exempt from the burn ban. During a burn ban, portable gas stoves or grills are alternate methods for cooking food while camping.

Q: What can I do to protect my house against the risk of wildfire?

A: Learn about wildfire risk assessments and preparedness and prevention plans on the N.C. Forest Service website at www.ncforestservice.gov/fire_control/fc_wui.htm or www.resistwildfirenc.org.

Read More

Burn ban lifted for 67 North Carolina counties (including Macon) as conditions begin to improve

 RALEIGH - The N.C. Forest Service has lifted a ban on all open burning effective at noon Wednesday, Dec. 8, for the following counties in North Carolina: Anson, Beaufort, Bertie, Bladen, Brunswick, Cabarrus, Camden, Carteret, Catawba, Chatham, Cherokee, Chowan, Clay, Cleveland, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Currituck, Dare, Duplin, Edgecombe, Franklin, Gaston, Gates, Graham, Greene, Halifax, Harnett, Haywood, Hertford, Hoke, Hyde, Iredell, Jackson, Johnston, Jones, Lee, Lenoir, Lincoln, Macon, Martin, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Moore, Nash, New Hanover, Northampton, Onslow, Pamlico, Pasquotank, Pender, Perquimans, Pitt, Richmond, Robeson, Rutherford, Sampson, Scotland, Stanly, Swain, Tyrell, Union, Wake, Warren, Washington, Wayne and Wilson.

The ban, which went into effect Nov. 29 due to hazardous forest fire conditions, remains in effect for the additional 33 North Carolina counties.

“The rainfall we are seeing across much of the state right now is doing what we need it to do,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Forest fuels are soaking it in, and conditions are improving.”

“Residents in the 67 counties no longer under the state’s burn ban should still burn responsibly, check for local burning restrictions, and make sure you have a valid permit,” Troxler said. “Check the weather, and never leave a debris fire unattended. If you’re in one of the 33 counties still under the state’s burn ban, please be patient and hold off on burning”.

As of noon, burn permits are available in the 67 counties no longer included in the state’s ban on open burning. Residents can obtain a burn permit from any authorized permitting agent or online at www.ncforestservice.gov/burnpermit. For the 67 counties no longer included in the ban, all burn permits previously granted were canceled when the ban became effective. A valid permit must be obtained.

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

Answers to FAQ

Q: What is open burning?

A: Open burning includes burning leaves, branches or other plant material. In all cases, burning trash, lumber, tires, newspapers, plastics or other nonvegetative material is illegal.

Q: May I still use my grill or barbecue?

A: Yes, if no other local ordinances prohibit their use.

Q: How should I report a wildfire?

A: Call 911 to report a wildfire.

Q: How should I report a person who intentionally starts a wildfire?

A: Call 911 to report a wildfire.

Q: My local fire marshal has also issued a burn ban for my county. What does this mean?

A: The burn ban issued by the N.C. Forest service does not apply to a fire within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. Local government agencies have jurisdiction over open burning within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. The N.C. Forest Service has advised county fire marshals of the burning ban and has asked for their consideration of also implementing a burning ban. If a fire within a 100-foot area of a dwelling escapes containment, a North Carolina forest ranger may take reasonable steps to extinguish or control it. The person responsible for setting the fire may be liable for any expenses related to extinguishing the fire.

Q: Are there other instances which impact open burning?

A: Local ordinances and air quality regulations may impact open burning. For instance, outdoor burning is prohibited in areas covered by Code Orange or Code Red air quality forecasts. Learn more about air quality forecasts at https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/air-quality/air-quality-outreach-education/air-quality-forecasts.

Q: Can I still use my fire pit or outdoor fireplace?

A: In excess of 100 feet from an occupied dwelling, campfires, fire pits, outdoor fireplaces and burn barrels are considered open burning and are subject to the burn ban. Within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling, local government agencies have jurisdiction over open burning. All local burn bans are set independently. The N.C. Forest Service has advised county fire marshals of the burning ban and has asked for their consideration of also implementing a burning ban. Check with your local fire marshal about local restrictions.

Q: Can I have a campfire when I go camping?

A: Campfires would be considered open burning and are not exempt from the burn ban. During a burn ban, portable gas stoves or grills are alternate methods for cooking food while camping.

Q: What can I do to protect my house against the risk of wildfire?

A: Learn about wildfire risk assessments and preparedness and prevention plans on the N.C. Forest Service website at https://www.ncforestservice.gov/fire_control/fc_wui.htm or https://www.resistwildfirenc.org/.

Read More

Burn ban issued for all North Carolina counties due to hazardous forest fire conditions

 

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 at 5 p.m. today until further notice.

“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.”

Under North Carolina law, the ban prohibits all open burning in the affected counties, 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.

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.

Answers to FAQ

Q: What is open burning?

A: Open burning includes burning leaves, branches or other plant material. In all cases, burning trash, lumber, tires, newspapers, plastics or other nonvegetative material is illegal.

Q: May I still use my grill or barbecue?

A: Yes, if no other local ordinances prohibit their use.

Q: How should I report a wildfire?

A: Call 911 to report a wildfire.

Q: How should I report a person who intentionally starts a wildfire?

A: Call 911 to report a wildfire.

Q: My local fire marshal has also issued a burn ban for my county. What does this mean?

A: The burn ban issued by the N.C. Forest service does not apply to a fire within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. Local government agencies have jurisdiction over open burning within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. The N.C. Forest Service has advised county fire marshals of the burning ban and has asked for their consideration of also implementing a burning ban. If a fire within a 100-foot area of a dwelling escapes containment, a North Carolina forest ranger may take reasonable steps to extinguish or control it. The person responsible for setting the fire may be liable for any expenses related to extinguishing the fire.

Q: Are there other instances which impact open burning?

A: Local ordinances and air quality regulations may impact open burning. For instance, outdoor burning is prohibited in areas covered by Code Orange or Code Red air quality forecasts. Learn more about air quality forecasts at https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/air-quality/air-quality-outreach-education/air-quality-forecasts.

Q: Can I have a campfire when I go camping?

A: Campfires would be considered open burning and are not exempt from the burn ban. During a burn ban, portable gas stoves or grills are alternate methods for cooking food while camping.

Q: What can I do to protect my house against the risk of wildfire?

A: Learn about wildfire risk assessments and preparedness and prevention plans on the N.C. Forest Service website at https://www.ncforestservice.gov/fire_control/fc_wui.htm or https://www.resistwildfirenc.org/.

Read More

Daily News and Weather Briefing for Monday, April 6, 2020

Macon Media is taking a step back from in-depth weather briefings and COVID-19 updates.


OUTLOOK

A weak stationary front will remain to our north through mid-week. A strong cold front will cross our area from the northwest on Thursday, with cooler high pressure spreading over the region for Friday.

BURN BAN

A ban on open burning in the 32 western counties of North Carolina is in effect until further notice. [LINK]

DAY SPONSOR

Carrion Tree Service is underwriting Macon Media for today. they are a fully licensed and insured tree service, specializing in dangerous tree removal, view clearing, pruning, and crane services with a 24 Hour emergency response.

Their phone number is 371-4718.

They can handle all your tree removal needs in good or bad weather.



Fire consumes about 70 acres near Cals Cove Road

A loose fire spread from private property to lands owned by the state and federal governments on Friday. Firefighters from the NC Forest Service and US Forest Service were deployed to fight the fire while Otto VFD engaged in structure protection. Using a plane to spot and a helicopter to drop water, firefighters managed to keep the fire within 30 acres on Friday. A brief rain early on Saturday did little to help the firefighters, who were working in very rough terrain. A plane continued to spot for firefighters and an additional helicopter worked the fire Saturday afternoon. The fire reached about 50 acres in size on Saturday and about 70 by Sunday.

[FIRE COVERAGE w/photos from pilot] [NEWS RELEASE]

GENERAL FORECAST THROUGH WEDNESDAY

Today

Mostly sunny. A slight chance of showers this afternoon. Highs ranging from the lower 60s to the lower 70s. Winds out of the west 5 to 10 mph. The chance of rain is 20 percent.

Tonight

Partly cloudy. Lows ranging from the lower 50s to the mid-to-upper 40s. Winds out of the west around 5 mph.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers. A chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs ranging from the lower 60s to the upper 60s. Winds out of the west 5 to 10 mph. The chance of rain is 50 percent.

Tuesday Night

A chance of thunderstorms in the evening. Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers. Lows ranging from the upper 40s to the mid-50s. Winds out of the west 5 to 10 mph. The chance of rain 40 percent.

Wednesday

Partly sunny in the morning, then becoming mostly sunny. A chance of showers. A chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs ranging from the mid-60s to the mid-70s. Winds out of the west 5 to 10 mph. The chance of rain is 40 percent.

Wednesday Night

Partly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows ranging from the mid-40s to the mid-50s. The chance of rain is 50 percent.

HAZARDS

Hazardous weather is not anticipated today.

A burn ban is in effect until further notice. [LINK] 

Please continue observing the Governor's "Stay at Home" Order, and practicing social distancing if you come out for supplies, exercise or other reasons listed in the Executive Order. [LINK]


COVID-19 Update
An abbreviated COVID-19 Update follows



The CDC website [LINK] has not updated all weekend, so it reported 2,093 people in North Carolina were infected y Friday and that the infections are widespread, the NCDHHS website [LINK] reports 2,585 cases, 261 hospitalized and 31 deaths in the state. The Johns Hopkins Dashboard [LINK] reports 2,683 people infected and 41 deaths.

Resources for Reliable Information about the Corona Virus (COVID-19) [LINK]

VIDEO BRIEFINGS

World Health Organization
(there was no briefing for April 4th or 5th, so here is the one from April 3rd)



White House Coronavirus Task Force



North Carolina
(there was no briefing Saturday or Sunday, so here is the one from Friday)

English



Spanish


Sunday 5th April, Global Update


April 4th, Disease Spread and Contagion


COVID-19 Science and Technology Headlines

Tesla Ventilator



What Dr. Fauci wants you to know about face masks and staying home as virus spreads



Stability of SARS-CoV-2 in different environmental conditions [LINK]

How sewage could reveal true scale of coronavirus outbreak [LINK]

Results of 15-Day Study on COVID-19 and Social Distancing Measures [LINK]

Impact of school closures for COVID-19 on the US health-care
workforce and net mortality: a modelling study [PDF]

Airborne transmission of COVID-19: epidemiologic evidence from two outbreak investigations [LINK]

Even the Daleks are Urging People to 'Stay at Home'

Our colleagues in Skaro Division have deployed their Direct Action Local Enforcement Kops to ensure everyone is following guidelines about isolation and social distancing. We recommend everyone uses their Totally Awesome Rightly Distanced Isolation Systems to comply. https://t.co/dUvdW7TAPZ

— Tayside Police (@TaysidePolice) April 4, 2020

Ohio plans random population testing to help determine how many people have coronavirus [LINK]



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Published at 5:00am on Monday, April 6, 2020

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Council Approves Grant Application for Wildland Firefighting Equipment

The town council approved a matching grant application for $9,979.00 by Franklin Fire Department for Wildland Firefighting equipment. The grant is sponsored by the North Carolina Forest Service. The grant is a 50% match, meaning the fire department would be getting the equipment at half price. The town would pay $4,989.50 and the North Carolina Forest Service would pay $4,989.50.

Summer Woodard, town manager, and Matthew Breedlove, fire chief, presented the information to the board. Chief Breedlove recognized the efforts of Assistant Chief Hursey in writing the grant application.

The board approved the grant application by a vote of 6-0.

Councilman Culpepper inquired about streamlining the process in the future and giving authority to the town manager to approve grant applications like this in the future. The town manager and the town attorney concurred and the attorney said the resolution could be amended.

Gavel-to-gavel video of the Feb 2019 meeting and supporting documents are posted on the blog. [LINK]

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Published at 12:09 pm on February 5, 2019

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