NC Forest Service issues 244 citations since the start of statewide burn ban

WRAL News is getting a first look at how the state is adjusting its enforcement of a statewide burn ban.

According to data from the North Carolina Forest Service, 244 people have now been cited since the burn ban went into effect late last month. That’s nearly 100 citations issued in just the last week. 

On Facebook, the Cape Fear Rural Fire Department said they fought four fires in four days across their district, which affected more than 60 acres, and asked residents to respect the ban. Joshua Billings, fire chief of the Cape Fear Rural Fire Department, described the fire conditions across the state as "volatile."

"The danger is so high now," Billings said.

Violating the state burn ban 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. 

WRAL News was tracking several fires across the state on Wednesday. One fire broke out around 2 a.m. near N.C. 540 and High House Road in Cary.

A drought has gripped nearly the entire state, with some places experiencing severe drought, none of which have been helped by the lack of rain in the forecast.

"Our drought has been months in the making, so the ground is very dry," WRAL meteorologist Chris Michaels said. "This time of year, we tend to see lower humidity in the afternoon and we tend to see gustier winds at the same time. Those three things, combined with a warmer-than-average April, make brush and wildfires more likely."

Some areas have put water restrictions in place to help make sure there is water for essential functions, such as fighting fires. The forest service says the burn ban and its enforcement actions are in place until further notice. Residents with questions about local burn rules can call their county fire marshal's office or the N.C. Forest Service.

WRAL News will have more on how long fire officials believe the burn ban will last, and the extra steps counties are taking to help go beyond the state's burn ban enforcement, on Thursday at 6 p.m.