As drought conditions persist in Western North Carolina, the North Carolina Forest Service has implemented a burn ban for 14 counties in an effort to prevent brush fires. The ban covers Burke, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Graham, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, and Transylvania counties. Effective immediately and until further notice, all open burning is prohibited, and burning permits have been canceled.

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler emphasized the importance of the burn ban, stating, "Several counties in Western North Carolina are currently in a severe drought, and we are seeing wildfire activity increase due to dry conditions." Troxler highlighted the need to protect lives, property, and forestland across the state. Although not all areas of North Carolina fall under the burn ban, residents are urged to exercise extreme caution with any burning due to the dry conditions present in many areas.

The burn ban prohibits all open burning in the affected counties, irrespective of whether a permit was previously issued. Violators face a fine of $100 plus $183 in court costs. Any person responsible for starting a fire may be held liable for the expenses related to extinguishing it. Local fire departments and law enforcement agencies will assist the N.C. Forest Service in enforcing the burn ban.

The N.C. Forest Service will continue to assess conditions in the coming weeks to evaluate the need for expanding the ban. Residents with specific questions regarding their county can contact their county ranger or the county fire marshal's office.

In addition to the 14 counties mentioned, Buncombe County also implemented its own burning ban, effective since 9 a.m. on November 5. The ban applies to the burning of yard waste, debris, or land clearing burns. Only fires contained in a pit, barbecue grill, or chiminea device smaller than three feet in diameter are exempted from this ban. Buncombe County's ban will remain in effect until conditions improve.

The N.C. Forest Service provided answers to frequently asked questions regarding burn bans. Open burning includes burning leaves, branches, or other plant material, while burning trash, lumber, tires, newspapers, plastics, or any nonvegetative material is illegal. However, grills or barbecues may still be used if local ordinances allow it.

For wildfire or intentional fire reports, residents should call 911. The N.C. Forest Service has requested county fire marshals to consider implementing their own burning bans within a 100-foot area of an occupied dwelling. Local ordinances and air quality regulations may also impact open burning, such as in areas covered by Code Orange or Code Red air quality forecasts.

Currently, Western North Carolina is grappling with two significant wildfires. The Collett Ridge Fire is burning in a remote area of Cherokee County on national forest land, while the Poplar Drive Fire continues to threaten the Edneyville community in Henderson County.

To address the ongoing smoke from these fires, the North Carolina Division of Air Quality issued a Code Red for Henderson and Cherokee counties, effective until midnight Sunday. This means that children, active individuals, older adults, and those with heart or lung diseases should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Others are advised to limit such activities outdoors.

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality's Drought Management Advisory Council has recently expanded the Severe Drought category to parts of 15 counties, including several affected by the burn ban. An additional 57 counties in Western North Carolina are classified as experiencing Moderate Drought conditions.

As the region faces these dangerous fire conditions, authorities urge residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their surroundings from the risks posed by wildfires.