CHARLOTTE, NC — Officials with Charlotte Fire Department announced Wednesday that all burning permits have been canceled and all outdoor burning, including recreational, has been banned.
Officials say the lack of rainfall and drought conditions have increased the risk for fires in fields, grass, and wooded areas.
In a release sent out Wednesday, Charlotte Fire listed out the following tips and precautions to help prevent accidental fires:
The Charlotte Fire Department would like to offer the following safety tips to prevent a woodlands fire:
- Regardless of the restrictions fire officials ask that the public be vigilant in following these rules and to use good common since when following the exception.
- Be aware when grilling on or near wooden decks, grass or pine straw.
- Keep water handy in case of fire.
- Dispose of smoking materials properly.
- Avoid parking vehicles in dry grass when the hot pollution control equipment could come into contact with dry vegetation.
- An adult should always be present during open burning and grilling and children and pets should be kept a safe distance away.
- Use spark arresters for chimneys to prevent ashes from going up the flue into the neighborhood and starting fires.
- Never use gasoline, kerosene or any other flammable liquid to start a fire because the risk of personal injury is high.
Have Fire Control Tools on Hand
- Have fire extinguishments material on hand such as a water supply, shovels and rakes.
- Check water supply before igniting the fire. Be very cautious if you attempt to control a brush fire with a garden hose. Wildfires move very rapidly and can severely burn you.
- Extinguish all fires and embers before nightfall or leaving area.
Watch the Wind
- Be prepared to extinguish all open burning if the wind picks up or weather changes. Use common sense in dry and windy weather. Sudden wind change is how most open burning gets out of control.
Donβt Wait to Call for Help
- If the fire should get out of control, call 911 immediately.
- If you or your family is in danger evacuate the area immediately
Huntersville Fire Department has also banned all outdoor burning, and Concord Fire has placed a voluntary ban on outdoor burning at this time.
