North Carolina Bans Open Burning Due to Drought

0:00It's March 28th. Welcome in. This is Durham News Today, where local news meets AI. I'm Corey with the story. North Carolina Forest Service just dropped a statewide ban on all open burning, kicking in at 6 p.m. Saturday, March 28th, and it stays, until they say otherwise. This is all because of brutal drought conditions everywhere in the state, plus high winds and barely any rain coming our way. The ban hits any burning of leaves, branches, or other plant stuff, and it overrides whatever permits you might have. No trash, tires, or plastics anyway, that's always illegal. But now campfires and fireworks join the no-go list too. Folks are feeling the squeeze from this dry spell that's got the whole state parched, making every spark a potential wildfire starter. Officials are stressing how key it is to cut down on new fires with this weather lineup. Violates could get slapped with a $100 fine, plus $183 in court costs, and if your fire spreads, you might.

1:01Oh, a big for putting it out. That adds real weight to playing it safe right now. Exceptions keep things practical. Grills, barbecues, and fire pits within 100 feet of your home are still good, though local fire marshals can. Tighten that up. Stay sharp out there, and we'll keep you posted as this evolves.