On Friday, March 21, the N.C. Forest Service issued a ban on all open burning due to the increased fire risk across the state.
As conditions in western North Carolina worsen, The City of Asheville Fire Marshal’s Office has issued additional local restrictions to reduce the risk of wildfires within city limits.
Effective immediately, open burning is prohibited in the City of Asheville, including within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. Under this local burn ban: All burning is prohibited.
This includes:
- Recreational fires,
- Bonfires
- Fire pits
- Warming fires.
Cooking fires are allowed, with the following criteria:
- It is contained within a grill or outdoor cooking device
- Attended at all time
- Accompanied by an available means of extinguishment (fire extinguishers, hose, etc.)
This burn ban remains in effect until further notice and applies to all areas within city limits. Please note that violations of this burn ban could result in a $500 civil penalty.
Tropical Storm Helene left a lasting impact on Asheville, causing significant tree damage and loss. The City of Asheville is committed to helping residents navigate tree removal and wildfire risk reduction while providing access to valuable resources. For more information visit the Asheville Recovers Website.