SALISBURY – Though the weather seems innocent enough, fall can be a dangerous time for wildfire. Along with the cooler temperatures and the beautiful fall foliage is the hazard of an increase of fire activity. There is more fuel on the forest ground to burn, not to mention that much of North Carolina has not seen rainfall in a record number of days.
Fall wildfire season typically lasts from mid-October until mid-December. The leaves on the ground, grasses and other plants browned by the winter frost and the dry weather we are experiencing can cause a fire hazard and burn quickly. This is also the time of year that people do a lot of yard work such as burning of leaves and yard debris.
All of these fall conditions set up the increased potential for intense and difficult to control wildfires.
The North Carolina Division of Forest Resources (NCDFR) urges you to take special care when burning this fall. Stay with the fire until it is out and douse the ashes with water. Be sure you comply with all state and local ordinances pertaining to open burning.
For more information about fall fire season, safe burning and where to get a burning permit, please contact local County Forest Ranger David Poole at 704-216-8993.