Cherokee County – North Carolina remained under a burn ban that took effect Friday morning and remains in effect until further notice.
“It is spring wildfire season in North Carolina, and we are seeing wildfire activity increase due to dry conditions,” Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said in a release. “With these ongoing conditions, a statewide burn ban is necessary to reduce the risk of wildfires starting and spreading quickly.
“Our top priority is always to protect lives, property and forestland across the state. It is imperative that folks adhere to this burn ban until further notice.”
Breezy, dry conditions resulted in several fires in Cherokee County starting on March 19, Firefighters in Cherokee County responded to small blazes off U.S. 64 West near Hothouse and off Skyline Drive in Murphy, along with providing mutual aid for a fire in Clay County, but a blaze in Grape Creek quickly became the focus.
Fire crews from Grape Creek, Hanging Dog, Murphy, Peachtree, Unaka, N.C. Forestry, U.S. Forestry and the Bureau of Indian Affairs responded to a brush fire off Joe Brown Highway on mid-afternoon March 19.
The Grape Creek Volunteer Fire Department said the fire was caused when a transformer exploded. The first units on scene reported a slow-moving fire, but a property owner called 911 to report that two outbuildings were threatened by the blaze.
The fire spread to the two outbuildings leading to a structure fire response. Although the two buildings were destroyed, personnel from Grape Creek and Murphy were able to save one outbuilding.
Firefighters also responded to a 20-acre wildfire between U.S. 64 West and Emory Shield Road that was reportedly contained Friday.
Burn ban in effect
Despite overnight rainfall Sunday, the burn ban remained in effect in Cherokee County as well as the rest of the state Monday.
Active fires were reported across the state Monday, including three in Polk County south of Chimney Rock State Park – 152 acres at 50% containment, 1,102 acres at 0% containment and 1,239 acres at 0% containment as of Monday afternoon. The area was hit hard by Hurricane Helene and is littered with fallen trees from the storm.
Under North Carolina law, the ban prohibits open burning in all 100 counties in this instance, 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.
The burn ban does not apply to fires started within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. In Cherokee County, the county fire marshal and fire departments with jurisdiction over the Town of Murphy and Town of Andrews issued burn bans within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling.
Local fire departments and law enforcement officers are assisting the N.C. Forest Service in enforcing the burn ban. Fire agencies will continue to monitor conditions.
Frequently asked questions
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 non-vegetative 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 deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/air-quality/air-qualityoutreach-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 at resistwildfirenc.org.