The U.S. Forest Service will restrict all open burning on North Carolina’s four national forests that began on March 21, in response to the elevated fire danger occurring across the state.
Remaining in effect through June 30, or until rescinded by an authorized U.S. Forest Service official, the restriction includes building, maintaining or using an open fire, campfire or stove fire on the Pisgah, Nantahala, Uwharrie, and Croatan National Forests.
Visitors are still permitted to use commercially available fuel stoves, such as portable propane camp stoves or covered charcoal grills.
The restrictions will remain in effect until there is a change in fire danger. The purpose of fire restrictions is to reduce the risk of human-caused fires during unusually high fire danger and/or burning conditions.
Fire professionals analyze several factors when deciding to enact fire restrictions. These factors include the number of human-caused fires, fire danger ratings, persistent adverse weather conditions, fuel moisture conditions, and the potential threat to firefighters and public safety.
The restriction on the four federally managed national forests follows the statewide ban issued by the North Carolina Forest Service on all open burning effective March 21, 2025, until further notice.
For more information, click HERE.
Fire Risk Remains High
The USDA Forest Service has closed the Shining Rock Designated Wilderness Area on the Pisgah National Forest in response to the ongoing Rattlesnake Branch Fire. All visitors in the area were evacuated yesterday evening.
This closure includes all National Forest land between US-276 and NC-215 north of the Blue Ridge Parkway (between mile markers 405 and 420).
Currently reaching approximately 400 to 500 acres with 0-percent containment as of 9 a.m. on March 27, the Rattlesnake Branch Fire in Haywood County spread into the Shining Rock Wildness yesterday afternoon, prompting the Forest Service to issue the closure order. The safety of both visitors and employees are the highest priorities for the Forest Service, so the public should stay out of this area while federal, state and local fire crews work to contain the blaze.
High winds and dry conditions have heightened fire risks throughout much of North Carolina. Since Jan. 1, 2025, Forest Service fire crews have responded to nearly 90 confirmed fires on the four National Forests in North Carolina.
In the Southern Area Spring 2025 Wildfire Risk Assessment, produced by the Southern Area Coordination Center, forecasts show a moderate probability for an active spring wildfire season throughout the Southern Appalachian states because of warmer temperatures and low precipitation. The report noted that impacts from Hurricane Helene, including limited access to areas still blocked by debris, will likely lead to larger, more complex wildfires.
Following the statewide burn ban issued for North Carolina, the Forest Service issued a restriction on open burning National Forest land, including building, maintaining or using campfires, open stove fires and fire rings, in an effort to mitigate wildfire risks.
Updates will be posted on our website HERE.
Pictured at the top of the article is an aerial shot taken from Sunrise Rock at Ravenel Park in Highlands at dawn.