North Carolina Enacts Statewide Burn Ban Amid Wildfire Risk

The Globe and Atlas

Summary

A statewide burn ban is in place across North Carolina due to heightened wildfire risk.

Why this matters

The burn ban aims to mitigate wildfire risks amid worsening drought and forecasted dry conditions.

A statewide burn ban is now in effect across North Carolina due to increased wildfire risk, according to the North Carolina Forest Service. The ban, effective from 6 p.m. Saturday, March 28, applies to all 100 counties until further notice.

The order prohibits all open burning, including leaves, branches, and yard debris. Previous burning permits are canceled, and no new ones will be issued while the ban is in place.

The ban excludes fires within 100 feet of an occupied home, where local governments may impose additional restrictions. Residents are advised to check with local fire officials for specific rules.

Certain activities like using grills and gas stoves are permitted, unless local restrictions apply. However, campfires, fire pits, and fireworks are not allowed.

Officials urge residents to report wildfires by calling 911 and maintain caution during this period. The North Carolina Forest Service will monitor conditions and lift the ban when safe.

Additionally, Onslow County has implemented a local burn ban effective at 8 a.m. Sunday, March 29, until further notice. This ban includes all open burning, even within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling.

These local restrictions aim to lessen wildfire risks under current dry conditions. Only outdoor cooking and warmth fires are exceptions in the county ban.

Get Camp Lejeune & New River Updates

Essential base alerts, local events, and military news delivered to your inbox

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

More top news
  • FTC Reports $12.5 Billion in 2024 Fraud Losses
    Americans lost $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) data revealed, a 25% increase in reported losses from the previous year, underscoring the growing risk to consumers’ bank accounts as scams become more sophisticated. According to FTC data, scams targeting bank accounts have significantly increased, aided by the expanded digital footprint of financial transactions. Scams often involve phishing emails, fake banking websites, or fraudulently created mobile apps that mimic legitimate financial portals, tricking users into revealing their login credentials. These operations can involve fake job offers and check fraud schemes, where altered or fraudulent checks are used to exploit victims. A survey by the Association for Financial Professionals found that 63% of organizations experienced check fraud attempts in 2024. Criminals often target checks sent by mail, altering details using chemical processes before redepositing them using fake accounts. The FTC advises consumers to take precautions such as typing website URLs directly, carefully reviewing app details before downloading, and independently verifying unsolicited contacts claiming to be from banks. Reporting suspected fraud to the FTC and placing fraud alerts on credit reports are critical steps to mitigate risks.
  • Stock Futures Up As Key Economic Data, War Uncertainty Loom
    U.S. stock futures increased Monday as Wall Street began a trading week shortened by Easter. Investors are preparing for upcoming economic data amid ongoing consumer uncertainty. Dow Jones Industrial Average futures rose 0.3%, while S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 futures each gained 0.4%. Oil prices also advanced, with Brent oil climbing 3% to $108 per barrel, and West Texas Intermediate increasing by nearly 2% to just above $100. In an interview with the Financial Times, President Trump expressed a preference for the U.S. to ‘take the oil,’ drawing a comparison to Venezuela and indicating intentions to control Iran’s oil industry ‘indefinitely.’ Trump also noted that Iran conceded most of the 15 demands issued by the U.S. to end the ongoing conflict. Last Friday ended negatively for stocks, with all major indexes registering significant losses. The Dow dropped nearly 800 points, and the S&P 500 fell to a multi-month low, marking its fifth consecutive weekly decline. Current tensions from the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, now in its second month, are weakening prospects for a quick resolution. Investors are observing whether Trump will revert to the TACO approach, which involves issuing varying statements and responding to market shifts.
  • Israeli Plant Hit by Iranian Missile or Debris
    Israeli pesticides manufacturer ADAMA reported that its Makhteshim plant in southern Israel encountered damage from either an Iranian missile or debris from an intercepted missile on Sunday. No injuries were reported. ADAMA, a company under Chinese-owned Syngenta Group, stated that the full extent of the damage remains unknown. Israel’s fire and rescue service reported a fire in the Ne’ot Hovav industrial area, which houses several chemical plants, following an Iranian missile attack. It is believed that missile debris caused the fire. Authorities urged the public to avoid the area due to “hazardous materials,” and 34 firefighting crews worked to control the blaze. There was no public danger beyond 800 meters from the site. Images and videos from the scene showed a large fire and thick black smoke. “The situation is now under control,” the fire and rescue service stated, highlighting images of a destroyed building. Firefighters remain on site to extinguish hotspots and prevent reignition. Earlier on Sunday, the Israeli military detected multiple missile launches from Iran. Despite several waves of attacks throughout the day, no other damage or injuries were immediately reported. Ne’ot Hovav is located about 13 kilometers (8 miles) from Beer Sheva, southern Israel’s largest city. There are multiple Israeli military bases in the vicinity.
  • Iranian Strike Hits Kuwait Plant, Killing Worker
    An Iranian attack on a power and water desalination plant in Kuwait resulted in the death of one Indian worker and significant damage to a building at the site, according to Kuwaiti authorities. This incident comes amid rising regional tensions due to ongoing U.S. and Israeli actions against Iran. Kuwait’s Ministry of Electricity reported the incident on Monday, stating a service building at the plant was targeted. Technical and emergency response teams responded swiftly to manage the aftermath and ensure continued operations. While Iran has not officially commented, its state media quoted Kuwaiti sources detailing extensive damage. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned what it termed “heinous Iranian aggressions” and affirmed solidarity with Kuwait. This statement underscores regional concerns about infrastructure vulnerability. The U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran has caused over 2,000 deaths, including Iranian officials, and disrupted critical infrastructure. Iranian retaliations have targeted regional countries’ infrastructure and increased energy prices following actions like blocking the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump announced a temporary pause on attacks on Iranian energy sites last week, aiming for a tentative resolution. Iran warned it would retaliate if its energy infrastructures are targeted.
  • Freemasons, Ex-Agents Face Trial for Alleged Crimes in France
    A Paris court opened proceedings on March 30, 2026, for 22 individuals accused of serious crimes linked to a Masonic lodge. Among those facing trial are former intelligence agents, soldiers, and business executives, with some risking life imprisonment. The charges include murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault, and criminal conspiracy, allegedly operated by a mafia network within the Athanor Masonic Lodge in Puteaux, a Paris suburb. Key figures identified by investigators include Jean-Luc Bagur, Frédéric Vaglio, and Daniel Beaulieu, who are linked to orchestrating these crimes. Sébastien Leroy is accused of executing many assignments through a network of hired operatives. The investigation began after a failed assassination attempt in July 2020 targeting business coach Marie-Hélène Dini. Two soldiers were intercepted with weapons near her home, claiming they believed their orders to kill were state-sanctioned due to her alleged ties with the Israeli Mossad. A link was established to Bagur, who, investigators claim, sought to eliminate Dini, a rival, by enlisting Vaglio for a reported fee of €70,000. Vaglio allegedly facilitated this through Beaulieu, reportedly leading a hit squad. In police custody, Leroy reportedly confessed to participating in numerous illegal activities, believing he had government backing. His lawyer claims he was misled by Beaulieu, who promised him a role as an informant. The trial highlights accusations against individuals who reportedly exploited their roles in society to commit crimes. Dini’s lawyer expressed concern about trust in societal protectors. Beaulieu’s ability to contribute to his defense remains uncertain due to a reported suicide attempt affecting his concentration. The trial is anticipated to last at least three months.