In North Carolina, the fall wildfire season typically lasts from mid-October until mid-December. During this time, the N.C. Forest Service and the USDA Forest Service urge residents and visitors to be cautious with campfires and when burning yard debris.
“The leading cause of wildfires in North Carolina is debris burning,” said North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “As leaves begin to fall and vegetation starts to dry out, it’s important for everyone to use extreme caution when burning debris of any kind. Let’s all remember that our best defense against wildfires starts at home.”
For people who choose to burn debris, the N.C. Forest Service offers the following tips:
- Consider alternatives to burning. Some types of debris, such as leaves, grass and stubble, may be of more value if they used for mulch instead.
- Check local burning laws. Some communities allow burning only during specified hours. Others forbid it entirely.
- Make sure you have a valid permit. You can obtain a burn permit at any authorized permitting agent open for business or online at www.ncforestservice.gov/burnpermit.
- Don’t pile vegetation on the ground; instead, place it in a cleared area and contain it in a screened receptacle away from overhead branches and wires. Keep your pile small, not tall.
- Stay informed about the weather and possible weather changes. Postpone outdoor burning during high winds or gusts, or periods of low relative humidity. Even if you have a valid permit, stop burning if strong winds develop.
- Household trash should be hauled away to a trash or recycling station. It is illegal to burn anything other than yard debris.
- Be sure you are fully prepared before burning. To control the fire, you will need a hose, bucket, steel rake and a shovel for tossing dirt on the fire. Keep a phone nearby, too.
- Never use kerosene, gasoline, diesel fuel or other flammable liquids to speed up debris burning.
- Stay with your fire until it is completely out.
- Local fire officials can recommend a safe way to burn debris.
When burning agricultural residue and forestland litter, a fire line should be plowed around the area to be burned. Large fields should be separated into small plots for burning one at a time. Before doing any burning in a wooded area, contact your county ranger.
Defensible space around your home is important. Clear debris from your roof and gutters. Store firewood and other combustible items at least 30 feet from your home, uphill if possible. For more information and tips to help create a defensible space around your home and protect your property from wildfire, visit www.resistwildfirenc.org.
The USDA Forest Service also reminds campers to be cautious with campfires. Use existing fire rings, if possible, and clear a safe area around them of at least 15 feet. Never leave campfires unattended, and ensure they are completely out before leaving.
The USDA Forest Service offers the following guidelines for safely extinguishing campfires and helping to prevent wildfires:
- Allow the wood to burn completely to ash, if possible.
- Pour lots of water on the fire, drown ALL embers, not just the red ones.
- Pour until the hissing sound stops.
- Stir campfire ashes and embers with a shovel.
- Scrape the sticks and logs to remove any embers.
- Stir and make sure everything is wet and that embers are cold to the touch.
- If you do not have water, use dirt. Pour dirt or sand on the fire, mixing enough dirt or sand with the embers to extinguish the fire.
- Continue adding or stirring until all remaining material is cool.
- Do NOT bury the fire as the fire will continue to smolder and could catch roots on fire that will eventually get to the surface and start a wildfire.
Always exercise caution with any outdoor burning. Even when burn bans are not in effect, weather conditions may not be favorable for outdoor fires, Troxler said. Outdoor burning is discouraged during periods of low humidity or high winds.
To learn more about fire safety and preventing wildfires and loss of property, visit www.ncforestservice.gov or contact Granville County Ranger Rob Montague at 919-693-3154.