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Both county and state lift burn ban after rains

POLK COUNTY—The burn ban, which has been in affect since April 3 because of hazardous forest fire conditions has now been lifted. 

The North Carolina Forest Service lifted the ban for open burning on Monday, April 13. Polk County was one of 32 western North Carolina counties that had a burn ban, both from the state and the county. 

Polk County Emergency Management Director and Fire Marshal Bobby Arledge said Tuesday morning the local ban is also lifted. 

Heavy rains over the weekend caused the lift of the ban. Tryon, Polk County’s official weather station for the National Weather Service, received 3.34 inches of rain on Sunday. 

North Carolina Forest Service officials urge residents to reconsider burning yard debris through the end of May, saying careless debris burning is the leading cause of wildfires in the state. 

“Recent rainfall across the state, especially in our western counties, has helped with dry conditions, but it is important to remember that we are still in the midst of spring wildfire season and the COVID-19 pandemic,” North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said. “Preventing escaped debris burns is something each of us can do to protect our communities and our first responders.” 

Because of the pandemic, burn permits are being issued only because North Carolina Fire Service Office locations remain temporarily closed. 

Anyone with questions regarding burn permits can contact the county fire marshal’s office or the North Carolina Forest Service.