99% of NC Wildfires Caused by Humans: How You Can Help Prevent Them

North Carolina -- North Carolina is facing more wildfires and is now ranked third in the country for the number of fires in 2023, behind

California and Texas. During FY23-24,  there were 5,766 wildfires, making it tough for the state to protect its forests and communities. The most worrying thing is that less than 1% of these flames started naturally, such as from lightning. Almost all (99%) of the cases were caused by human actions, and nearly half (49%) were due to careless burning of trash.

As North Carolina’s population rises and more areas mix with nature, more flames are expected to happen. The North Carolina Forest Service stresses that everyone should actively help avoid wildfires. Working together can greatly lower the chances of these fires happening.

Here are some important tips and suggestions for preventing wildfires from the NC Forest Service:

Debris burning is one of the main reasons for wildfires.

Most wildfires in North Carolina are caused by people burning trash carelessly. To reduce this chance, take these precautions:
Look into local rules. Always check for burn bans or fire restrictions before you burn trash. Some places may completely ban burning, while others have specific times when it's allowed.

Get a Burn Permit: You can get permits online or at your local NC Forest Service office.

Use fire safely. Don't burn yard waste on dry, windy days. Instead, use composting as a better way to get rid of it.
Keep an Eye on Your Fire: Always watch over a fire and have water and tools ready to put it out if necessary.

Fires in farms and forests.

Getting ready to burn leftover farm waste and forest debris needs careful planning.
Make a fire barrier around the place you want to burn.
Burn smaller parts of land instead of larger areas all at once.
Talk to your neighborhood NC Forest Service ranger for help.
Stay with your fire until it is totally out.

How to Stop Fires from Equipment and Smoking

People often start wildfires by using tools or smoking. To avoid these situations:
Make sure that chainsaws, generators, and off-road cars have spark arresters and that they work well.
When smoking outside, make sure to put out your cigarettes properly and do not throw them near grass, leaves, or anything that can catch fire.

Lanterns, stoves, and heaters.

Camping fans and outdoor lovers should be careful when using portable heaters. Always keep these safety tips in mind:
Refill fires and lanterns only after they have cooled down.
Refuel on the ground in a safe, clear area. If there is a fuel spill, move the device to a different spot before starting it.
Make sure there's good airflow when using heaters or stoves inside tight areas.
The Increasing Importance of Prevention

As the state's population increases, the chance of burning also rises. We all need to work together to stop these disasters. Following fire safety rules and raising knowledge can really help.

The North Carolina Forest Service reminds everyone, both residents and visitors, that preventing fires is a shared duty. By being careful with activities like burning debris, camping, and using equipment, we can help protect North Carolina's lovely woods and the communities that rely on them.