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North and South Carolina issue statewide burning bans

FOOTHILLS—People in the area cannot burn as of Friday at 5 p.m. for North Carolinians and as of Tuesday at 6 a.m. for South Carolinians. 

Both the North Carolina Forest Service and the South Carolina Forestry Commission declared state burning bans. 

Polk County Fire Marshal Bobby Arledge also issued a county burning ban within 100 feet of a dwelling to comply with the state ban. 

The burning ban prohibits yard debris burns; prescribed or controlled burns; campfires and other types of recreational open burning. 

The bans were put into place in the interest of public safety amid the current threat of the COVID-19 virus. 

South Carolina state officials also said for infected individuals breathing smoke could make the symptoms worse, which would increase the risk of hospitalization or death. 

No burn permits will be issued in either state until further notice.