Beach Bonfires Banned on Outer Banks Due to Drought

0:00Beach bonfires are now off limits on the outer banks, thanks to the National Park Service stepping in over this brutal drought hitting North Carolina. Hard, they cover spots like Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout National Seashores, which make up most of those barrier islands. The worry is, dry conditions could turn a simplifier into a wildfire spreading to dunes, forests, or nearby neighborhoods. Earlier this week, the North Carolina Forest Service dropped a statewide burn ban until further notice, and that includes campfires, no exceptions. Before all this, folks needed a part permit to light up ocean-facing bonfires from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., keeping them no bigger than 3 feet, across. For locals and tourists, these fires have been a staple tradition, especially for families looking for cheap evening fun on the beach. It's a big shift for vacation vibes that many count on during trips. At Cape Lookout, charcoal grills are still OK if you washed them closely and let the coals cool completely under supervision.

1:01Officials are keeping a close eye as the drought drags on. With fire risked this high, safety's taking the front seat, so plan your beach hangs accordingly while we wait for wetter days ahead. Local news, powered by AI. This is Durham News Today. I'm Corey with The Story.