Residents in Union County can now strike a match in their backyards again, with the local fire marshal giving the all-clear on a burn ban that's been smothering outdoor flames since March 21. Jon Williams, the county's fire marshal, synced his decision with the North Carolina Forest Service, which also decided to stop a statewide halt on open burns, as originally reported early this morning by Union County's official site. With the ban lifted, outdoor burning is back on the table — just in time for some springtime cleanup.
That said, it's not time to recklessly light up just any old thing. Williams reminds residents that they must absolutely follow safety guidelines and state laws when it comes to open burning. According to a statement on the Union County's website, "While conditions have improved enough to lift the burn ban, we want to remind everyone to follow safety guidelines and state laws when burning." Williams further stressed the importance of caution, noting, "Even with the ban lifted, outdoor fires can still be dangerous if improperly handled."
Despite the green light, there are some clear red lines. Only natural vegetation is allowed to go up in smoke — think leaves, branches, and similar plant matter. Keeping a fire under control isn't just law-abiding, it's about preventing injury and property damage. Fire officials are quick to remind folks to keep their blazes a safe distance from buildings, pay attention to how the wind is blowing, and never even think to leave a fire without supervision. It's the careless moments that can lead up to the bulk of burn injuries in Union County, Williams cautioned.
On top of all the safety talk, don't forget the paperwork. Before you light up, you have to sign up; a burn permit is mandatory for anyone wanting to start an open flame. And if you're worried about another errand, don't be — permits are easy to obtain and they don't cost a dime. You can get the official thumbs-up online, ensuring you're good to go without even needing to step away from your computer.
So grab your matches, clear those yards, and remember, fire is a friend that has no problem turning on you if you don't treat it right. Let's enjoy the spring responsibly, with fire safety smarts fully ablaze.
