The statewide North Carolina burn ban lifted Friday morning for the remaining counties still under restrictions, including Moore County and several communities across the Sandhills.
The North Carolina Forest Service announced the ban would officially end at 8 a.m. Friday following recent rainfall that helped improve wildfire conditions across the state.
Moore County was among 19 counties still under restrictions after the statewide burn ban first went into effect March 28 due to hazardous fire conditions.
North Carolina Burn Ban Lifted After Rainfall Improves Conditions
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said additional precipitation this week helped lower the immediate wildfire risk across parts of the Piedmont and Sandhills.
However, officials warned residents that drought conditions still remain in portions of North Carolina and urged people to continue practicing safe outdoor burning habits.
Residents planning to burn yard debris or conduct controlled burns must still obtain a valid burn permit before burning outdoors.
Officials also reminded homeowners that local fire marshals still maintain authority over fires started within 100 feet of a home.
Burn Permits Available Again Statewide
As of Friday morning, burn permits became available statewide once again. Residents can obtain permits online or through authorized permitting agencies.
The Forest Service recommends having a water source, rake, shovel and phone nearby anytime a fire is started outdoors.
Officials also stressed that fires should never be left unattended and should be completely extinguished before leaving the area.
The North Carolina burn ban lifted announcement comes as wildfire concerns across North Carolina have eased in recent days thanks to improving weather conditions.
Star 102.5 and Sandhills News will continue tracking weather, drought conditions and wildfire updates impacting Moore County, Southern Pines, Aberdeen and communities across the Sandhills.
