PUBLIC NOTICE
BOLIVIA, N.C. – Effective at 12 p.m. on Monday, May 12, 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 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 burn ban was originally issued on May 2, 2025, due to an increased risk of fire danger and unfavorable weather and drought conditions forecasted for the area, in part due to the wildfire affecting the Boiling Spring Lakes area.
“Residents should still be on guard and monitor any burning they may do to ensure safety and compliance with the law,” Fire Marshal Thompson said. “Rainy weather and other factors are helping improve some of the dangerous conditions we have seen here lately, but it is important to remain cautious to help our firefighters and public safety crews as they work to mitigate the remaining work related to the recent wildfire.”
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.
Burn bans issued by the County Fire Marshal’s Office do not apply to any open burning permits issued by the North Carolina Forest Service or by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) for land clearing or air curtain incinerators. The NCDEQ Division of Air Quality enforces the state’s open burning regulations and the N.C. Forest Service depending upon the location and type of open burning. Click here to learn more about open burning rules and best safety practices on the NCDEQ’s website.
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 910.253.2041 or visit brunswickcountync.gov/323/Burn-Ban-Open-Burning.
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Burn Ban Issued for Brunswick County effective May 3, 2025 (RESCINDED)
PUBLIC NOTICE
BOLIVIA, N.C. – Effective at 5 p.m. Saturday, May 3, 2025, a burn ban has been issued for the unincorporated areas within Brunswick County due to fire danger conditions and impacts from a wildfire affecting Boiling Spring Lakes and surrounding areas.
Brunswick County is currently assisting the N.C. Forest Service, Boiling Spring Lakes Fire Rescue, and the City of Boiling Spring Lakes in response to the wildfire. Brunswick County and the City of Boiling Spring Lakes have both declared a state of emergency due to the incident. Any additional information will be shared at brunswickcountync.gov/bslfire.
During the burn ban, all burning within 100 feet of any structure is prohibited within the unincorporated areas of Brunswick County. An unincorporated area is an area not within a municipality (incorporated city, town, or village limits). If you are located in a city or town, contact your local municipal official related to the burn ban.
In addition to the wildfire, 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.
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 910.253.2041.
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