Antioch Fire Department Inc.

05/03/2026

04/14/2026

Since the state-issued ban on open burning was enacted March 28, a total of 554 wildfires has burned more than 2,200 acres across the state. With little rainfall or improvement expected over the next 7-10 days, the statewide burn ban and enforcement action will continue until further notice.

Of the 554 wildfires that have burned since the burn ban took effect, only four have been determined to be the result of lightning strikes. Preliminary data indicates that 152 of those 554 wildfires were determined to be human caused, with the remainder listed as unknown or undetermined, likely pending law enforcement investigation and action. Since the state’s burn ban took effect, 150 citations have been issued for illegal burning.

During a state-issued burn ban, the same N.C. Forest Service personnel providing initial and extended attack for wildfire response are providing the necessary enforcement action to support the ban on open burning. Reducing the number of new ignitions is critical for sustaining adequate resource availability for an extended period, making state-issued bans a necessary tool for keeping wildfires contained and as small as possible until fully extinguished.

The public is urged to abide by the burn ban and to use extreme caution with farm equipment, machines, mowers, vehicles on dry grass, smoking materials such as ci******es, anything that can throw a spark. In current high-risk conditions, these could be a possible fire source. While not classified as open burning and not affected by the state’s ban on open burning, they are still contributors to new fire starts across the state.

Read news release: https://www.ncagr.gov/news/press-releases/2026/04/14/statewide-burn-ban-and-enforcement-continue-dry-conditions-persist

03/28/2026

🚨🚨🚨Statewide Burn Ban will come into effect starting at 6pm this evening🚨🚨🚨

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

03/22/2026

03/15/2026

Make sure you secure those items that can easily be blown away by winds and monitor your local weather channels over the next 24 hours!

03/07/2026

Emergency crews in the county have responded to multiple brush fires today. 🔥

With much of the county experiencing dry conditions and wind, it's important to burn safely. Always ensure you have the proper tools when burning:

💧 Keep a water source close
⚒ Have a rake and shovel handy

NEVER leave a fire unattended. Be aware of weather conditions before burning.

Johnston County Government

02/01/2026

02/01/2026

The difference that 2 hours can make... 😮🌨

Snowfall is expected to continue through the evening. Roads are already becoming dangerous, like this view of I-95 at exit 97. Don't risk it – stay home if possible.

Johnston County Government

01/31/2026

WINTER STORM & EXTREME COLD WARNING. Central NC is facing bitter cold and significant snow today. Snowfall: 3-10" expected (highest amounts along I-95). Cold: Wind chills dropping to -5°F by Sunday morning.

01/29/2026

01/29/2026

Johnston County, and much of Central North Carolina, is under a Winter Storm Watch for this weekend. Here's the latest:

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While power outages and ice accumulation are not expected with this storm, historical snowfall is anticipated – including up to 8 inches in Johnston County.

Prepare now and plan to stay at home if possible beginning Friday evening. Consider elderly populations, neighbors, and pets when planning for the storm.

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🏳️White Flag Shelter Options (please call ahead)🏳️

Street Reach of Johnston County
(919) 912-9854

Smithfield Rescue Mission
(919) 205-1977

The Salvation Army
(470) 753-6439

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For the most up-to-date information on road conditions, weather, and power outages, visit the EM Alerts dashboard at johnstonnc.gov/emalerts. You can also sign up for JoCo Alerts by visiting https://member.everbridge.net/892807736726972/login

Johnston County Government