Due to increased fire danger from high winds, the Buncombe County Fire Marshal is discouraging open burning through Monday, Oct. 19.
An Oct. 15 press release from the county noted that dry grasses, dead leaves, and other vegetative debris could easily ignite and spread quickly. It encouraged residents to postpone outdoor burning if possible, especially yard debris burns. Those who must burn should keep all fires constantly attended and have a way to extinguish them.
Conditions do not warrant a ban at this time, according to the county. Officials said refraining from burning would help emergency crews protect residents and their property.
The county provided the following reminders:
- Use extreme caution when handling potential ignition sources such as machinery and farm equipment.
- Keep fires small and manageable.
- Keep fires away from combustible vegetation and structures, at least 25 feet.
- Burning of all material is prohibited where there is public pickup for yard waste, including the City of Asheville and other municipalities.
- Only the burning of natural vegetation is allowed.
Before burning, residents can call the Open Burning Hotline at 828-250-6767
to see if burning is allowed that day or visit BuncombeNC.gov.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Buncombe County asks residents to stop open burning this week
