BOLIVIA, N.C. – Effective at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, the Brunswick County Fire Marshal’s Office will lift a ban on all open burning within 100 feet of an occupied structure for the unincorporated areas within Brunswick County.
The burn ban was originally issued on March 21, 2025, due to an increased risk of fire danger and unfavorable weather and drought conditions forecasted for the area.
The Brunswick County Fire Marshal’s Office continually monitors fire weather metrics to determine if there is an increased risk of fires starting and spreading quickly. Fire Marshal Andrew Thompson appreciates the cooperation of community members while the burn ban was in effect. To stay proactive in keeping lives and property safe, the public is urged to be vigilant and use caution when burning outdoors.
The NC Forest Service has also announced that the statewide burn ban on all open burning will be lifted at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, April 2. Check the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services website for future information and updates related to any statewide burn bans.
Brunswick County reminds residents that only natural vegetation, which includes leaves, tree trimmings, or yard debris, can be legally burned within 100 feet of an occupied structure. Any outdoor burning that occurs more than 100 feet from a structure requires a permit from the North Carolina Forest Service.
Permit holders are encouraged to contact the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center at 910.253.2505 to let them know the permit holders have a forestry burn permit and will be burning.
For more information or questions about burn bans, open burning, fireworks, fire inspections, fire investigations, or the North Carolina Fire Code, please contact the Brunswick County Fire Marshal’s Office at 910.253.2021 or visit brunswickcountync.gov/323/Burn-Ban-Open-Burning.
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Burn Ban Issued for Brunswick County Effective March 21, 2025
BOLIVIA, N.C. – Effective at 8 a.m. Friday, March 21, 2025, a burn ban has been issued for the unincorporated areas within Brunswick County due to very high fire danger conditions.
All burning within 100 feet of any structure is banned within the unincorporated areas of Brunswick County. An unincorporated area is an area not within a city or town’s limits. If you are located in a city or town, contact your local municipal official related to the burn ban.
Current and future weather forecast models indicate conditions that are not favorable to open burning. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor for North Carolina, Brunswick County is experiencing moderate drought conditions in addition to a Very High fire danger index rating from the North Carolina Forest Service.
The burn ban will remain in place until conditions improve. Brunswick County will send out a notice when it is lifted and/or to communicate any necessary safety updates related to the burn ban. For questions about the burn ban, contact the Brunswick County Fire Marshal’s Office at 910.253.2021.
In addition to the local burn ban, the North Carolina Forest Service has issued a ban on all open burning, including land clearing, and has canceled all burning permits statewide effective 8 a.m. Friday, March 21, until further notice. The issuance of any new permits has also been suspended until the ban is lifted. Read the latest notice from the North Carolina Forest Service on their website here.
Local fire departments and law enforcement officers are assisting the North Carolina Forest Service in enforcing the burn ban. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) Division of Air Quality enforces the state’s open burning regulations. Learn more about open burning rules and best safety practices on NCDEQ’s website here.
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