Open burning is now allowed in Mitchell County with a valid burn permit, after the state lifted the burn ban in 81 counties this weekend. Mitchell County and most of North Carolina is still in a state of drought, however. The dry weather has now been persistent for several months, leaving much of the state with a deficit of 10 or more inches of annual rainfall.
Because of this, the ban remains in effect for Alamance, Anson, Cabarrus, Chatham, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Gaston, Guilford, Iredell, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Moore, Randolph, Rockingham, Rowan, Stanly, Stokes and Union counties until further notice.
“The recent rainfall has provided some relief and has moderated fire danger enough for us to lift the ban on open burning in 81 counties,” said N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler in a release. “However, we’re still in the thick of spring wildfire season when conditions can change quickly and frequently. We still need rain to move us forward with drought recovery, improving soil moisture and water levels."
According to the N.C. Department of Agriculture, normal spring growth in North Carolina forests — "green-up" and "leaf-out" — is progressing at normal rate, but with the 10-inch annual rainfall deficit, low soil moisture, dry surface fuels and persistent low humidity have contributed to wildfire activity.
"Be extremely vigilant with any outdoor burning if you’re in one of the 81 counties no longer under the state-issued ban,"
Troxler said. "Make sure you have a valid burn permit, tools and a water source, and stay with your fire."
Mitchell County residents have seen this first hand with both the Poplar Fire and the more recent County Line Fire that briefly blocked travel into Avery County.
NCDA further notes that Western North Carolina residents have an added complication during this time of statewide drought — the ongoing fire risk caused by Hurricane Helene (downgraded to a tropical storm after slowing down over land).
Helene caused an immense amount of wind damage to Western North Carolina forests, with Mitchell County believed to be hardest hit: It is estimated that nearly 50 percent of Mitchell County trees were blown down by the 2024 storm.
According to NCDA, those downed trees have become more flammable since 2024 and 2025, as the wood continues to dry out. But the rest of the state also has its own issues. In the coastal region, low water levels have led ground fires, where organic material in the dirt itself burns, and the Piedmont region experienced 87 fire starts over the course of a single weekend in April. "If you’re in one of the 19 counties still under the state-issued burn ban, be patient and hold off on burning," Troxler said. "We need more rain in your area to lift the ban. With the persistent drought, it’s important for all of us to use extreme caution when handling potential ignition sources such as machinery and motorized equipment. When in doubt, lean on your N.C. Forest Service county ranger’s office for guidance and best practices.”
In all, the N.C. Forest Service has responded to more than 1,200 wildfires since the statewide ban was enacted March 28, fires that burned nearly 3,500 acres.