Connestee Fire Rescue

05/03/2026

03/28/2026

Due to increased wildfire risk, the N.C. Forest Service has issued a ban on all open burning and has canceled all burning permits statewide effective 6 p.m. Saturday, March 28 until further notice.

Under North Carolina law, the ban prohibits all open burning in the affected counties, regardless of whether a permit was previously issued. The issuance of any new permits has also been suspended until the ban is lifted. Anyone violating the burn ban faces a $100 fine plus $183 court costs. Any person responsible for setting a fire may be liable for any expenses related to extinguishing the fire.

The burn ban does not apply to fires started within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. The local fire marshal has authority to issue a burn ban within those 100 feet.

Read news release: https://www.ncagr.gov/news/press-releases/2026/03/28/statewide-burn-ban-issued-north-carolina-due-hazardous-forest-fire-conditions

03/28/2026

Effective Saturday, March 28 at 8 a.m., the National Weather Service has issued a ** 🚩🚩RED FLAG WARNING🚩🚩** for some North Carolina counties. For counties that aren’t under a red flag, fire danger is still critical. Review weather alerts for North Carolina at weather.gov.

A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures will create dangerous fire behavior.

While open burning is permitted during a red flag, it is NOT advised. Please postpone ALL outdoor burning. If there was ever a time to show you can follow instructions the first time they are given, it’s now.

Careless debris burning is the leading cause of wildfires in North Carolina, and you are our best defense against wildfire. For wildfire readiness and prevention tips: preventwildfirenc.org

03/26/2026

03/25/2026

Increased Risk of Wildfire Due to High to Extreme Fire Danger -- March 25, 2026

What does high fire danger mean for you today?

🎯Fires can start from the smallest spark.
🎯Dry conditions and wind increase fire spread.
🎯Everyday activities carry more risk right now.

Avoid burning, and be cautious with anything that could cause a spark.

Contact your N.C. Forest Service county ranger's office for guidance.
ncforestservice.gov/contacts

Spread prevention, not wildfire.

03/23/2026

Fire danger is high, especially during the afternoon and evening hours. Fires can start almost immediately and easily from all causes. Fires can spread rapidly and intensify quickly. Spot fires can be a constant danger.

Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged.

🎯Check fire danger: https://climate.ncsu.edu/fire/.
🎯Check weather alerts for your area: weather.gov.
🎯Contact your local NCFS county ranger. https://bit.ly/3lpoWR0

Spread prevention, not wildfire.

03/04/2026

On Thursday, March 5, N.C. Forest Service personnel will conduct a prescribed fire operation, weather permitting, at DuPont State Recreational Forest. The burn will be in the area around Ruffed Grouse Trail, Ho**er Creek Trail and Buck Forest Road.

In the interest of safety, all visitors should choose alternate trails if visiting the forest the day of the burn. Visitors to the forest should also expect to see and smell smoke the day of the burn and for several days after.

is the carefully planned use of fire under strict, predetermined weather and fuel parameters to obtain specific management objectives. This critical tool remains one of the most efficient and cost-effective forest management practices, helping North Carolina forests remain healthy and thrive. Prescribed fire improves overall health of the forest and wildlife habitat while consuming vegetative fuels to reduce wildfire risk.

To learn more about the benefits of prescribed fire, visit www.ncforestservice.gov/goodfire.

01/30/2026

01/21/2026