Weather Alert: The National Weather Service forecast calls for scattered thunderstorms with a potential for some to become severe, with damaging wind gusts and large hail the primary threats beginning Friday afternoon and lasting into Saturday.
Due to increased fire risk from abnormally dry conditions, the N.C. Forest Service has issued a ban on all open burning 
and canceled all burning permits for the following counties in Eastern North Carolina: Beaufort, Bladen, Brunswick, Carteret, Columbus, Craven, Dare, Duplin, Hyde, Jones, Lenoir, New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico, Pender, Pitt, Tyrrell and Washington.
“The dry weather conditions these last few weeks, plus the potential for an increase in human-caused wildfires in the region, makes this ban on open burning necessary,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “During the month of May, there have been 355 wildfires statewide, covering 1,348 acres. This burn ban is a proactive step to protect lives and property by preventing human-caused wildfires.”
The burning ban went into effect at 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 30, and will remain in effect until further notice. The N.C. Forest Service will continue to monitor conditions.
The Cape Hatteras National Seashore followed immediately by implementing a ban on beach fires, citing the risk of fires spreading to dune vegetation, forested areas or developed neighborhoods adjacent to Seashore beaches.
Open fires are not permitted in any area of the Seashore until further notice. In designated campgrounds, charcoal and gas grills may continue to be used; however, grills may not be used for open wood fires.
A beach fire ban is effective immediately but beach fire permits may be used in appropriate locations after the ban is lifted.
In designated campgrounds, charcoal and gas grills may continue to be used, but grills may not be used for open wood fires.
As a reminder, fireworks are not permitted in any area of the Seashore.
For more information on the ban, click here
For some fire prevention tips, click here.
