Brunswick County Burn Ban Alert

On June 16, 2023, Brunswick County, North Carolina, issued a burn ban in its unincorporated areas following a controlled burn that escalated into a wildfire. The ban prohibited all burning, including land clearing, and was issued due to a Code Red air quality rating from the Pulp Road wildfire. As of June 30, 2023, the burn ban for the unincorporated areas within Brunswick County has been lifted.

What can be legally burned within 100 feet of a structure in Brunswick County?

As of July 18, 2022, the Brunswick County Fire Marshal has lifted the burn ban in unincorporated areas of Brunswick County. Only natural vegetation, including leaves, tree trimmings, or yard debris, can be legally burned within 100 feet of any structure. Any outdoor burning that occurs more than 100 feet from a structure requires a North Carolina Forestry burning permit.

The Brunswick County Fire Marshal's Office does not require a burn permit for open burning of natural vegetation within 100 feet of a structure located within the unincorporated areas of the county. However, if you are outside of 100 feet, the North Carolina Forest Service requires a state permit. Additionally, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) requires a state permit for certain types and locations of burning.

During a Brunswick County Burn Ban, open burning is prohibited within 100 feet of any structure in the unincorporated areas of Brunswick County. Burning associated with outdoor cooking, like grilling, is not subject to the ban but must be constantly attended.

When weather or other conditions make controlled burns dangerous, the North Carolina Forest Service or local authorities (Counties, Cities, Towns) may enact a burn ban or burning restrictions. Residents can stay informed about burn bans and restrictions by checking the U.S. Weather Service for Wilmington and staying up to date with local authorities and the Brunswick County Fire Marshal's Office.

Where can Brunswick County residents obtain a burning permit?

As of June 30, 2023, Brunswick County, North Carolina, lifted its burn ban for unincorporated areas. The ban was initially issued on June 16, 2023, following a controlled burn that escalated into a wildfire in the Green Swamp Nature Preserve.

For Brunswick County residents, a North Carolina Forestry burning permit is required for any outdoor burning that occurs more than 100 feet from a structure. These permits can be obtained at no charge by visiting the Brunswick County Code Administration building at 75 Courthouse Drive NE in Bolivia during normal business hours or by completing an online application.

Permit holders are encouraged to contact the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office Communications Center at 910-253-2505 to inform them that they have a permit and will be burning. This is not a mandatory step, but it is encouraged for safety reasons.

It is important to note that only natural vegetation, including leaves, tree trimmings, or yard debris, can be legally burned within 100 feet of any structure in Brunswick County. Additionally, residents should always check the Fire Weather Forecast and Current Fire Danger Rating for their area before initiating any type of outdoor burn to prevent wildfires.

What caused the Brunswick County burn ban?

On June 16, 2023, Brunswick County, North Carolina, issued a burn ban in its unincorporated areas following a controlled burn that escalated into a wildfire. The ban prohibited all burning, including land clearing, due to a Code Red air quality rating from the Pulp Road wildfire. The fire, located in the Green Swamp Nature Preserve, had burned over 15,600 acres and was 90% contained as of June 30.

The burn ban in Brunswick County was lifted on June 30, 2023, for the unincorporated areas within the county. However, residents were reminded to follow specific guidelines for burning natural vegetation, such as leaves, tree trimmings, or yard debris, within 100 feet of any structure. The Fire Marshal, Andrew Thompson, emphasized that any outdoor burning occurring more than 100 feet from a structure requires a North Carolina Forestry burning permit.

To obtain a burning permit, residents of Brunswick County can visit the Brunswick County Code Administration building at 75 Courthouse Drive NE in Bolivia during normal business hours or complete an online application. It is recommended for permit holders to inform the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office Communications Center by calling 910-253-2505 before starting any burning activities.

Careless debris burning is a leading cause of wildfires in North Carolina, and it is essential for residents to follow proper procedures and take necessary precautions to prevent accidental fires and protect the safety of their community and the environment.

What is the process to obtain a burning permit in Brunswick County?

To obtain a burning permit in Brunswick County, North Carolina, you must first determine whether your burn falls under the jurisdiction of Brunswick County or the North Carolina Forest Service. If your burn is for land-clearing purposes and will encompass more than five acres, you will need a special permit from the North Carolina Forest Service, which is not available online.

If your burn is within the scope of Brunswick County's regulations, you can obtain a permit online or from a county permit agent. The Brunswick County website provides contact information for the local Brunswick County Ranger, who can provide further information on forest regulations and permit requirements.

It is important to note that open burning in Brunswick County is regulated by both the county's Solid Waste Ordinance and the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. Therefore, it is essential to understand the specific rules and restrictions that apply to your burn before proceeding. Fines for illegal burning can be significant.

Additionally, Brunswick County may issue burn bans or burning restrictions when weather or other conditions make controlled burns dangerous. It is recommended to check for any active burn bans before initiating the permitting process.

For those seeking a residential burn permit in Brunswick, Maine, the process is slightly different. You will need to visit the Brunswick Fire Department's page to complete and download the Permit Application Form. Brunswick burning permits are free and are only issued on Class 1 and 2 fire days as determined by the Forest Service. These permits are only valid for the day of application and expire at 11:59 p.m.

What are the requirements for outdoor burning in Brunswick County?

The requirements for outdoor burning in Brunswick County, North Carolina, are as follows:

Firstly, it is important to note that Brunswick County is considered a "High Hazard" county under North Carolina General Statute 106-942. This means that special provisions and restrictions may apply to outdoor burning activities. If your burn is for land-clearing purposes and will encompass more than five acres, you will need to obtain a special permit that is not available online.

In addition to the county's Solid Waste Ordinance, open burning in Brunswick County is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality and the North Carolina Forest Service. These regulations vary depending on the location and type of open burning. For example, if you live in a city, town, or village within the county, you must check with your local municipal official regarding burn bans or open burning regulations.

To ensure safety and compliance with regulations, it is recommended to contact the relevant authorities before conducting any outdoor burning. For air quality regulations, you can contact the North Carolina Environmental Quality – Wilmington Office at 910-796-7215. For forest regulations, you can reach out to the North Carolina Forest Service – Brunswick County Ranger at 910-755-7772.

It is worth noting that Brunswick County does not permit large controlled hazard reduction burns conducted by various groups. These burns are allowed and permitted under the rules of NC Forestry, but they fall outside the areas that the County can regulate. When the county receives information about the timing and location of such burns, it shares this information with citizens.

Finally, it is important to be mindful of the potential for burn bans or burning restrictions. When weather or other conditions make controlled burns dangerous, the North Carolina Forest Service or local authorities may enact a burn ban. It is essential to stay informed about the current status of any burn bans in your area before conducting any outdoor burning activities.

Frequently asked questions