Statewide burning ban issued for all 100 counties including McDowell, due to increased fire danger. Click link for info.
November 29, 2021
The North Carolina Forest Service and the McDowell County Fire Marshal's Office have issued a burning ban for McDowell County, due to increased fire danger. The NC Forest Service burning ban covers all 100 counties in North Carolina. All active burning permits have been canceled. This ban on open burning is effective immediately and shall remain in effect until further notice.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is open burning?A: Open burning includes burning leaves, branches or other plant material. In all cases, burning trash, lumber, tires, newspapers, plastics or other nonvegetative material is illegal.
Q: May I still use my grill or barbecue?
A: Yes
Q: How should I report a wildfire?
A: Call 911 to report a wildfire.
Q: How should I report a person who intentionally starts a wildfire?
A: Call 911 to report a wildfire.
Q: My local fire marshal has also issued a burn ban for my county. What does this mean?
A: The burn ban issued by the N.C. Forest service does not apply to a fire within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. Local government agencies have jurisdiction over open burning within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. The N.C. Forest Service has advised county fire marshals of the burning ban and has asked for their consideration of also implementing a burning ban. If a fire within a 100-foot area of a dwelling escapes containment, a North Carolina forest ranger may take reasonable steps to extinguish or control it. The person responsible for setting the fire may be liable for any expenses related to extinguishing the fire. The McDowell County Fire Marshal has issued a burning ban that covers all open burning within 100-feet of a structure.
Q: Can I have a campfire when I go camping?
A: Campfires would be considered open burning and are not exempt from the burn ban. During a burn ban, portable gas stoves or grills are alternate methods for cooking food while camping.
Q: What can I do to protect my house against the risk of wildfire?
A: Learn about wildfire risk assessments and preparedness and prevention plans on the N.C. Forest Service website at https://www.ncforestservice.gov/fire_control/fc_wui.htm or https://www.resistwildfirenc.org/.
Address/Location
McDowell County Emergency Management
129 Barnes Rd
Marion, NC 28752
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 828-652-3241
TEXT-A-TIP - Text TIP MCDOWELLEM followed by your message, to 888777