Burn Ban Now In Effect

Effective Wednesday, November 8, and continuing until further notice, the NC Forest Service is cancelling all burning permits and prohibits all open burning for Caldwell and surrounding counties.

Effective Tuesday, November 7, the Caldwell County Fire Marshal has issued a burn ban, which applies to all areas of Caldwell County and is in effect until rescinded.

Under the ban, Caldwell County residents are not allowed to have open fires of any type within 100 feet of a residential or commercial building, including:

• Campfires
• Bonfires
• Yard or Leaf burning
• Burning trash is illegal

The only exception to the ban is cooking on/in outdoor charcoal, pellet or gas grills provided precautions are taken to prevent fire from escaping those appliances.  

The burn ban applies to all areas of Caldwell County and is in effect until rescinded. The Caldwell County Fire Marshal and City of Lenoir Fire Marshal have the authority to issue citations for violations of the ban.  

Caldwell County Emergency Services Emergency Management reminds residents to take the following actions to protect their families and homes from fire danger:

• Create at least 30 feet of defensible – clean and green – space around your home.
•  Clear trash and dead vegetation from your front and backyards.
• Remove leaves and debris from roof and gutters.
• Use extreme caution when grilling.
• Properly discard cigarettes and fireplace ashes.
• Call 9-1-1 if you see smoke or fire in your area

For more information, visit the NC Forest Service Wildfire/Emergency Response Situation Report.