30 Counties Now Under a Burn Ban in North Carolina

Drought across the Carolinas has worsened over the last few weeks. These dry conditions have led to several wildfires in the Western North Carolina Mountains. Including a wildfire that began earlier in the month in Henderson County. The Poplar Drive fire has increased to more than 430 acres and is 15% contained. Firefighters are battling dry brush and fall foliage. The fire has destroyed two homes with more than 30 structures threatened. The cause of the fire is not known at time time.

Due to the expected increase in wildfire activity and ongoing drought, there are now 30 counties in North Carolina under a burn ban until further notice: This includes our counties in the High Country and Foothills along with Iredell, Catawba, Lincoln, Gaston and Mecklenburg counties. This means all burning permits for these counties have been canceled.

Smoke from ongoing fires will lead to a drop in air quality levels across the Carolinas with a code red air quality alert for the far western edge of the state where more than 2,000 acres are on fire in Cherokee County.

Relative humidity levels won’t be quite as low over the next few days. However, an increase in wind speeds on Tuesday could cause headaches for those battling ongoing wildfires. Those not under a burn ban should also be mindful of the increased fire danger. Fires could get out of control quickly burning at this time is highly discouraged.