Firefighters continue efforts to contain three wildfires in Polk County. The fires are being managed as a complex by the N.C. Forest Service Red Team, which assumed command of the incident Saturday, March 22.This group of fires consists of the Black Cove, Deep Woods and Fish Hook fires. Currently, there are 249 personnel from across North Carolina and other states assigned to and supporting this incident.
Press Releases
The N.C. Forest Service is reminding the public that a statewide ban on open burning remains in effect until further notice as most of the state is currently experiencing critical fire weather. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures are contributing to extreme fire behavior.
Due to increased fire risk, the N.C. Forest Service has issued a ban on all open burning and has canceled all burning permits statewide effective 8 a.m. Friday, March 21, until further notice.
RALEIGH – North Carolina will observe Arbor Day Friday, March 21, to commemorate the annual tree-planting holiday.
A popular trail at DuPont State Recreational Forest (DSRF) is undergoing improvements, resulting in a temporary trail closure. Improvements to the two and a half mile trail will accommodate the high level of recreational use while increasing trail sustainability, reducing erosion and protecting the water quality of nearby streams and creeks.
CLAYTON – Clemmons Educational State Forest (ESF) located in Clayton has entered the peak season for visitation, bringing about the shift to summer hours of operation. On March 1, Clemmons ESF resumed weekend hours of visitation. Summer hours will remain in effect through Oct. 31.During peak season, forest hours of operation are:
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.
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.