NC Forest Service warns of wildfire risk ahead of fall season

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - The N.C. Forest Service (NCFS) is reminding the public to use best practices and common sense with outdoor fires ahead of the state’s fall wildfire season.

NCFS officials say wildfire activity rises from October to early December, as falling leaves, dry vegetation and changing weather conditions allow fires to spread quickly.

“Most wildfires in this state are preventable,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Human activity continues to be responsible for more than 99% of wildfires in North Carolina, making individual actions one of our most important tools for preventing wildfires. Before you burn, take simple steps to keep your backyard fire in your backyard.”

Officials advise contacting your local NCFS county ranger’s office before starting a fire.

Safe burning practices include the following:

• Check for burn bans or fire restrictions in your area.
• Make sure you have a valid burn permit.
• Never burn on dry, windy days.
• Do not 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.
• Be sure you are fully prepared before burning by keeping a phone, hose, bucket, steel rake and a shovel for tossing dirt on the fire nearby.
• Never use kerosene, gasoline, diesel fuel or other flammable liquids to speed up debris burning.
• Stay with your fire until it is completely out.
• Never dump hot ashes or coals into a wooded area.

NCFS officials advise never to fly a drone near, around or over a wildfire due to the serious threat to firefighting aircraft that respond to wildfires.

To learn more about preparing and preventing wildfires, click here.