Open Burning Permits Waived Until Further Notice 21 counties WNC

Raleigh -- October 12, 2024: Press Release: North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Customer Service: The N.C. Forest

Service is waiving the requirement for open burning permits in Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cleveland, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey counties effective at noon Saturday, Oct. 12, until further notice. This measure is enacted through the authorization of House Bill 149, the Disaster Recovery Act of 2024.

“Hurricane Helene left excessive amounts of storm-related debris on the ground in the western part of the state,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Critical infrastructure is still being restored, and many communities continue to have limited access, making it difficult, nearly impossible, for people to comply with the law and get a burning permit. While we’re waiving the requirement for a permit in these 21 counties, we cannot stress caution and safety enough when it comes to burning outdoors this time of year.

“With more fuel on the ground as a result of the hurricane, seasonal leaf fall and as conditions continue to dry, burning storm-related debris as safely as possible is paramount. We need our emergency personnel focused on hurricane response and recovery efforts, not pulled away by escaped debris burns. Use the best practices and wildfire prevention tips recommended by the forest service,” said Troxler. 

This waiver does not apply to permits required by other agencies, including the N.C. Division of Air Quality or a local fire marshal’s office.

When burning outdoors, recommended best practices include the following:

Never burn on a dry, windy day.
Never leave your fire unattended.
Keep a water source, shovel, rake and a phone nearby.
For additional best practices and wildfire prevention tips, visit  ncforestservice.gov/fire control fire safety outdoor