Continued drought and high spring winds led the N.C. Division of Forest Services earlier this week to impose a statewide ban on open burning. The move cancels all existing burning permits, and remains in effect until conditions improve.
Likewise, Asheville Fire and Rescue Chief Greg Grayson has said that the city, too, is under a burn ban, meaning no open or outside burning or fires of any kind are allowed. The ban extends to outdoor candle luminaries, fireworks displays and campfires, whether large or small. Click here to learn of culinary options that don’t require an open flame.
Violating the ban is considered a serious violation, Grayson reminds us, and is punishable by fines and / or imprisonment.
— Kent Priestley, contributing editor
