[NCangler]

RALEIGH, N. C. (Aug. 22) – Wildlife Officers of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will be on the lookout for violations of a statewide open burning ban, in cooperation with the N.C. Division of Forest Resources.

The N.C. Division of Forest Resources issued a statewide burning ban Tuesday on all open burning and cancelled all burning permits until further notice.

“We advise sportsmen and other outdoorsmen to not build campfires and for everyone to be cautious with any open flame, including cigarettes,” said Col. Kenneth Everhart, chief of the Division of Law Enforcement for the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. “The potential for accidentally causing a disastrous wildfire is too great to risk.”

The hot, dry conditions have created extreme high fire danger and there are numerous wildfires burning across the state. Hardest hit is Roberson County, where 100 firefighters are fighting about 130 separate wildfires. The N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources reported nearly 50 other wildfires burning more 370 acres across the state on Wednesday.

Illegal burning and wildfires should be reported immediately by calling the local ranger district or fire department. During this statewide crisis, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will also accept illegal burning and wildfire reports toll-free at 1-800-662-7137.