A statewide open burning ban is in place throughout North Carolina.

The NC Forest Service, citing increased fire risks, issued the prohibition last week, effective at 8 a.m., Friday, March 21, that bars all open burning and cancels all existing burning permits statewide until further notice. 

The burn ban does not apply to fires within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. A local fire marshal has authority to issue a burn ban within that 100-foot space.

Washington County Emergency Management Coordinator Lance Swindell says the exemption for open flame within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling typically applies to fires for recreational purposes such as fire pits and barbecue grills...