IMPLEMENTATION OF BURN BAN WITHIN 100 FEET OF AN OCCUPIED DWELLING
Effective immediately, Person County prohibits all open burning across the unincorporated areas of Person County, including within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. The ban applies to all open burning regardless of whether a permit was issued.
The open burning ban is authorized by the Person County Fire Marshal’s Office per N.C. Fire Code Section 307.1.1 to help prevent the potential for increased wildfires due to extremely dry weather conditions in the county.
The local ban follows an open burning ban issued March 21, 2025, by the N.C. Forest Service. The statewide burn ban does not apply to fires started within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. However, a local fire marshal has authority to issue a burn ban within that 100 feet space.
Because of increased fire risk, the N.C. Forest Service has banned all open burning and canceled all burning permits statewide. The issuance of new burning permits has also been suspended.
Open burning includes burning leaves, branches and other plant material in addition to the use of recreational fires, bonfires, and outdoor fireplaces. The ban does not apply to cooking fires, such as grills or outdoor cookers. In all cases, it is illegal to burn trash, lumber, tires, newspapers, plastics or other non-vegetative materials.
The ban will remain in effect until further notice. Local fire departments and law enforcement are assisting the N.C. Forest Service with enforcing the ban. A warning will be issued for a first offense before issuing a citation to be enforced with civil penalties or other remedies for subsequent violations.
