With the amount of storm debris brought on by Hurricane Helene and North Carolina on the cusp of fall wildfire season, the N.C. Forest Service is reminding the public to think ahead and be cautious when burning outdoors.

“Recent tropical weather, most notably Hurricane Helene, has left piles of debris in its wake. Once safe to do so, many people will have significant yard cleanup and may choose to dispose of leaves and other yard debris by burning it,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Outdoor fires left unattended can get out of hand quickly, becoming wildfires that threaten lives and property.”

Smoke from forest fires in Western North Carolina obscures the view over the Smoky Mountains.

Typically, wildfires occur more frequently October through early December. In 2023, the N.C. Forest Service responded to nearly 2,000 wildfires during those months, with response to more than 1,200 of those fires taking place in November. Backyard debris burning, arson, escaped campfires and machine and vehicle use continue to be common ignition sources for human-caused wildfires.

Wildfire trends and causes in North Carolina are consistent with the rest of the Southern U.S. The American South experiences more wildfires each year than any other region in the U.S., with 87% of wildfires igniting on private property and being started by people. In North Carolina, human activity is responsible for 99% of wildfires.

The wildland urban interface (WUI) — the area where structures and other human development blend with undeveloped wildland, forest or vegetation — is a notable threat for increased wildfire impacts due to rapid population growth and people moving into formerly rural areas, resulting in an increase in WUI acreage. This trend is significant as three of the top four states with the most homes near wildlands are in the South, including North Carolina. As of 2020, roughly more than half of North Carolina’s citizens live in WUI areas.

“Before choosing to burn, folks need to obtain a valid burn permit and keep an eye on the weather. Never burn on dry, windy days and never leave your fire unattended,” Troxler said. “Smokey Bear celebrated his 80^th birthday back in August, and I think we owe it to him to uphold his message by remembering that we are the best defense against wildfires.”

For those who choose to burn, the N.C. Forest Service offers the following tips:

Make sure you have a valid permit. You can obtain a burn permit at any N.C. Forest Service office or authorized permitting agent, or online at https://www.ncforestservice.gov/burnpermit.

• Check the weather. Never burn on dry, windy days.
• Keep your fire small, not tall.
• Be sure you are fully prepared before burning. To control the fire, you will need a water hose, bucket, steel rake and a shovel for tossing dirt on the fire. Keep a phone nearby, too.
• Never use kerosene, gasoline, diesel fuel or other flammable liquids to speed up burning.
• Douse burning charcoal briquettes or campfires thoroughly with water. Drown all embers, not just the red ones. When soaked, stir the coals and soak them again. Make sure everything is wet and that embers are cold to the touch. If you do not have water, mix enough dirt or sand with the embers to extinguish the fire, being careful not to bury the fire. Never dump hot ashes or coals into a wooded area.
• Never leave your fire. Stay with it until it is completely out.

The USDA Forest Service offers the following guidelines for safely extinguishing campfires and helping to prevent wildfires:

• Allow the wood to burn completely to ash, if possible.
• Pour lots of water on the fire, drown ALL embers, not just the red ones.
• Pour until the hissing sound stops.
• Stir campfire ashes and embers with a shovel.
• Scrape the sticks and logs to remove any embers.
• Stir and make sure everything is wet and that embers are cold to the touch.
• If you do not have water, use dirt. Pour dirt or sand on the fire, mixing enough dirt or sand with the embers to extinguish the fire.
• Continue adding or stirring until all remaining material is cool.
• Do NOT bury the fire as the fire will continue to smolder and could catch roots on fire that will eventually get to the surface and start a wildfire.

To learn more about fire safety and preventing wildfires and loss of property, visit www.ncforestservice.gov and www.smokeybear.com.

For more information and tips to help create a defensible space around your home and protect your property from wildfire, visit www.resistwildfirenc.org.