WAYNE COUNTY, N.C. — The Wayne County Fire Marshal’s Office has issued a countywide burn ban effective 5 p.m. Friday, April 10, 2026, due to increased wildfire risk caused by dry conditions and limited rainfall in the forecast.
The local ban follows a statewide burn ban issued March 28 by the North Carolina Forest Service. The county-level order allows local officials to enforce restrictions and issue penalties for violations.
Officials say dry weather, drought conditions, and fire-friendly weather patterns have created dangerous conditions that could allow fires to spread rapidly. Residents are being urged to avoid any outdoor burning until the ban is lifted to help protect homes, property, and emergency responders.
The statewide burn ban canceled all burning permits and prohibits all open burning across North Carolina, regardless of whether a permit had previously been issued.
“With drought severity across the state, forecast fire weather and the potential for limited rainfall, it is critical to reduce the number of new fire starts,” said Steve Troxler. “Vegetative fuels will dry rapidly, and with the amount of fuel loading in the mountains and drought impacts statewide, a burn ban for all 100 counties is necessary to reduce the number of wildfires across our landscape. Please follow this burn ban to help reduce the risk for everyone.”
Under North Carolina law, anyone who violates the burn ban faces a $100 fine plus $183 in court costs. Individuals responsible for starting a fire may also be held liable for the costs associated with extinguishing it.
The statewide ban does not apply to fires started within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling; however, local fire marshals maintain the authority to restrict those fires if conditions warrant.
Local fire departments and law enforcement agencies are assisting in enforcing the burn ban. Officials say conditions will continue to be monitored, and the ban will remain in effect until further notice.
Residents with questions are encouraged to contact their local fire marshal’s office or their county ranger with the North Carolina Forest Service.
