Fire officials ramp up enforcement as North Carolina's burn ban continues

Fire officials across the Triangle are ramping up enforcement as the statewide burn ban continues. 

According to the North Carolina Forest Service, 150 citations have been issued for illegal burning since the state’s burn ban took effect in late March. Violating those citations will cost $283, a combination of the fine and court fees. In addition, any person responsible for setting a fire may be liable for any expenses related to extinguishing the fire. 

Open burning includes burning leaves, branches or other plant material.

Preliminary data from the forest service indicates that 152 of 554 wildfires that have burned since the burn ban took effect were determined to be human-caused.

Fire officials are also urging people to use extreme caution with equipment, machines, mowers, vehicles on dry grass, smoking materials such as cigarettes or anything that can spark a fire.

Durham Deputy Fire Marshal Chris Wilcox said, while he hasn't handed out any citations in the city, they have seen an uptick in fires. 

"We're definitely seeing an uptick in a large number of outside fires, vegetation fires, and woods fires," he said. 

Wilcox said he's prepared to hand out citations and even press charges. He is urging people to be cautious to help local fire officials out. 

"If folks can abide by the burn ban and prevent the call from ever happening in the first place, then that's by far the safest thing that you know anybody could do. 

According to the forest service, the statewide burn ban and enforcement action will continue until further notice.

Grills and barbecues can still be used, but campfires are banned. The N.C. Forest Service recommends using portable gas stoves or grills when cooking outside.

Residents with questions about local burn rules can call their county fire marshal's office or the N.C. Forest Service.