Conditions Right for Outside Fires to Spread

 
By Department Chief Mike Cameron
March 20, 2022
 

Over the last two months Cypress Pointe Fire/Rescue has responded to numerous outside fires in our district. Weather conditions including wind, low humidity and a dry top layer of natural fuel has helped to spread these fires, causing greater damage. In some cases, these fires have damaged or destroyed some buildings.
Nearly all of these fires were started by someone conducting open burning and leaving the fire unattended or burning when conditions were not favorable for burning and the fire got away from the person conducting the burn. At least two of these fires have been investigated as arson related fires.
While burning natural products (yard debris) outside of most municipal limits is acceptable in North Carolina it is always encouraged that the homeowner gets a burning permit and evaluate the wind and weather conditions prior to starting a fire.