It is very dry in the forests and fields. We have not had rain in 17 days since the storm. Burning right now would be a bad idea. Remember the Poplar Drive Fire last year? That was started by someone burning debris.

You may have read that the N.C. Forest Service is waiving the requirement for open burning permits in Henderson, Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cleveland, Haywood, Jackson, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey counties effective noon Saturday, Oct. 12, until further notice.

This is true. However, this waiver does not apply to permits or required or burn bans by other agencies, including the N.C. Division of Air Quality or a local fire marshal’s office.

Henderson County

The county is strongly encouraging residents to avoid burning of storm debris.

Hendersonville City Limits

There is always a NO burning Within City Limits ban and it remains in effect year-round. The city's policy is that there is no need for residents to burn, as the city collects all yard debris including leaves.

For additional best practices and wildfire prevention tips, visit NC Forest Service - Fire Safety Outdoors