North Carolina -- April 14, 2026: Press Release U.S. Forest Service - National Forests in North Carolina: Dry conditions and fire danger remain high across North Carolina
Asheville -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service will restrict all open burning and campfires outside of developed recreation sites on North Carolina’s four national forests starting Wednesday, April 15, 2026, in response to the elevated fire danger occurring across the state.
The restriction includes building, maintaining or using an open fire, campfire or stove fire on the Pisgah, Nantahala, Uwharrie and Croatan National Forests. Visitors are still permitted to use commercially available fuel stoves, such as portable propane camp stoves or covered charcoal grills. Forest Service-provided grills, metal fire rings and firepits are also available for public use at developed recreation sites and campgrounds while the restriction is in effect.
These restrictions will remain in effect until there is a change in fire danger to reduce the risk of human-caused fires during unusually high fire danger and/or burning conditions.
Fire professionals analyze several factors when deciding to enact fire restrictions. These factors include the number of human-caused fires, fire danger ratings, persistent adverse weather conditions, fuel moisture conditions, and the potential threat to firefighters and public safety.
The restriction on the four federally managed national forests follows the statewide ban issued on all open burning.
For more information, visit www.fs.usda.gov/r08/northcarolina, follow the National Forests in North Carolina