New Burn Rules in NC High-Hazard Counties | Wilmington News

Wilmington News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 1, 2026 · 1m

New Hanover and Pender counties are now high-hazard zones for open burning due to new state law, the North Carolina Farm Act of 2025–2026, aimed at managing rising wildfire risks from population growth and terrain. These areas have soil and forest types that fuel fast-spreading, hotter, longer-lasting fires. Landowners must now secure permits from the N.C. Forest Service for burns over 100 feet from homes and for clearing land over five acres with stumps or debris. No permit? No burn — and you’ll be required to extinguish any fire immediately, with potential liability for damages. Get permits…