RALEIGH – March signals the beginning of spring wildfire season in North Carolina, and the N.C. Forest Service is urging residents to be diligent about using best practices and common sense with all outdoor fires, especially yard debris burns.Western North Carolina counties dealing with significant storm debris from Hurricane Helene are especially vulnerable to wildfires due to increased fuel loading from downed timber.
Topics Related to NC Forest Service
RALEIGH – Landowners interested in applying for cost share reimbursement funding through the Forest Development Program (FDP) should contact their local N.C. Forest Service (NCFS) county ranger’s office or work with a consulting forester. The FDP is North Carolina’s flagship tree-planting program, helping eligible landowners implement a variety of forest stand improvement, site preparation and tree-planting practices. Applications must be submitted to the local NCFS county ranger’s office for initial review.
MARION – The N.C. Forest Service is planning to conduct a 63-acre prescribed burn on Lake James’s Big Island in McDowell County Wednesday, Feb. 26, as weather and conditions permit. This prescribed burn will eliminate the buildup of hazardous fuels, reducing the risk of a catastrophic wildfire. The burn will also improve wildlife habitat and aesthetic beauty around the island.
SPARTA – N.C. Forest Service (NCFS) Assistant Alleghany County Ranger Russell Choate has been named recipient of the 2024 Moreland Gueth Water Quality Award. This award is presented annually to the N.C. Forest Service employee or team of employees who demonstrate creativity and dedication toward the protection of North Carolina’s water resources.
CLAYTON – Clemmons Educational State Forest (ESF) located in Clayton is planning to conduct multiple prescribed burns throughout February and into early March. The purpose for these prescribed burns is to reduce current fuel loads on the forest while improving forest health, promoting new growth and benefiting wildlife habitat.
RALEIGH -- Many North Carolinians utilize their wood-burning stoves and fireplaces throughout the winter. The N.C. Forest Service is reminding stove users to never dump hot ashes or coals into a wooded area. If you do, you’re risking not only your home, but your neighbor’s as well.Multiple wildfires spanning several Western North Carolina counties have ignited due to improper discarding of hot ashes from wood-burning stoves and fireplaces. Despite recent winter weather, low humidity and dry fuels can cause wildfires to spread quickly, threatening lives and property.
RALEIGH – Now is the time for North Carolinians to act on wildfire mitigation practices and Firewise principles. By taking appropriate action, residents can help protect their homes and communities from wildfires by creating a defensible space while reducing risk.
RALEIGH – Beginning Nov. 11, the N.C. Forest Service is offering a 20% discount on tree seedling orders placed by active, honorably discharged or retired military personnel throughout November. The discount applies to the first $500 of all new orders, up to a $100 discount.
RALEIGH – The N.C. Forest Service is waiving the requirement for open burning permits in Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cleveland, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey counties effective at noon Saturday, Oct. 12, until further notice. This measure is enacted through the authorization of House Bill 149, the Disaster Recovery Act of 2024.
RALEIGH – With the amount of storm debris brought on by Hurricane Helene and North Carolina on the cusp of fall wildfire season, the N.C. Forest Service is reminding the public to think ahead and be cautious when burning outdoors.