Charlotte fire adds local restrictions to statewide burn bans to lower wildfire risk
Following the lead from the North Carolina Forest Service’s statewide burn ban, the Charlotte Fire Marshal added more local restrictions for residents to minimize the risk of wildfires.
All open burning is now prohibited in Charlotte, including within 100 feet of occupied dwellings effective immediately, Charlotte Fire Marshal Kevin Miller said Sunday evening in a statement posted on X.
Coordinating with the statewide ban, which covers all 100 counties, is to prevent wildfires from happening in the city during dry and windy conditions, the statement said.
“Only cooking fires in grills or contained devices are allowed — and must be attended with a means to extinguish,” Miller said.
The ban remains in effect until further notice for all areas within the Charlotte city limits, the statement said. Violators could face both fines and court costs, or other fees.
Campfire and charcoal bans
Earlier this weekend, extreme weather prompted Great Smoky Mountains National Park to ban campfires and charcoal use Saturday until further notice.
The ban applies to both the North Carolina and Tennessee sides of the park, rangers said
The ban is consistent with a National Weather Service red flag warning for the area, rangers said.
The NWS issued the warning for the Charlotte area, mountains, N.C. foothills and Upstate South Carolina until 8 p.m. Saturday.
The warning means “critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will develop shortly,” forecasters said.
“A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior,” according to the warning. “Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.”
NC, SC burn bans
The N.C. Forest Service banned all open burning and canceled all burning permits statewide effective 8 a.m. Friday, March 21, until further notice.
The South Carolina Forestry Commission issued a state forester’s burning ban for all counties effective 6 p.m. Friday.
Despite Saturday’s campfire ban, people in Great Smoky Mountains National Park picnic areas can still used cook stoves with compressed gas canisters and gas grills that feature an on/off switch, according to a park news release.
“Stoves and grills must be attended at all times,” ranger said.
The National Park Service is working with multiple agencies to respond to the dangerous conditions, Great Smoky Mountains National Park rangers said Saturday.
“Visitors are urged to exercise extra caution,” rangers said.
For updates, visit the park’s current conditions online page.
Staff Editor Lisa Vernon Sparks contributed to this story.
This is a developing story that will be updated.
This story was originally published March 22, 2025 at 1:22 PM.