Backyard bonfires in Gastonia are on ice. The Gastonia Fire Department’s Fire Marshal’s Office has ordered a citywide burn ban that blocks open burning inside Gastonia city limits, effective Monday at 1 p.m. Officials say extreme hazardous fire conditions are behind the move, and the order will stay in place until it is lifted.
In a notice posted to its Facebook page, the department spelled out that the ban covers bonfires, yard waste burns that include leaves, branches, construction materials and lumber, outdoor chimneys and chimeneas, warming fires and any other flames that kick off embers, according to the Gastonia Fire Department. Outdoor cooking appliances such as stoves and grills are still allowed. The department said the ban will remain in effect "until further notice" and directed anyone with questions to the Fire Marshal’s Office.
What the ban covers and what is still allowed
Gastonia’s municipal rules already bar residents from burning yard debris for disposal and set tight limits on recreational fire pits, including a 25 foot clearance from structures, constant attendance and a cap on flame height. The new order widens those restrictions by shutting down constructed commercial pits and any ember producing warming fires anywhere in the city, according to the City of Gastonia Fire Department. Bonfires for entertainment or necessity still require a permit from the fire official, and burning trash or building materials is never allowed.
Statewide context and why officials acted
Locally, Gastonia’s move lines up with a broader statewide order. On March 28, the North Carolina Forest Service issued a burn ban that canceled all burning permits and warned of elevated wildfire risk tied to drought conditions. That directive and local officials note that some small fires within 100 feet of an occupied home can be treated differently, but local fire marshals can tighten those rules inside their communities. Violators can face fines and court costs, according to ABC11.
Legal basis
The Fire Marshal’s Office is leaning on Section 307.1.1 of the North Carolina Fire Prevention Code as its legal authority. That section lets officials prohibit open burning when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances turn fires into a hazard, and it also gives the fire code official the power to order any burning put out if it worsens a dangerous situation, according to state administrative rules.
How residents can comply
Fire officials are asking residents to hit pause on any planned burns, keep from tossing out lit smoking materials and stay careful with spark producing equipment such as mowers and hot exhaust systems that can ignite dry grass or debris. For questions or to report suspected violations, residents can call the Gastonia Fire Marshal’s Office at (704) 866 6807, per the City of Gastonia Fire Department.
City leaders say they will update the community as conditions change and are urging residents to keep an eye on the Gastonia Fire Department’s social channels and county alerts for the latest information. State and local agencies are watching fire danger closely and will lift restrictions when officials decide it is safe to resume open burning.
