WHO/WHAT: Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler will be available to talk to members of the news media about the ongoing efforts to battle wildfires in Polk County and Western N.C. and the statewide burn ban in place due to dry and windy conditions. WHEN/WHERE: Wednesday, March 26, 11:30 a.m.Tryon International Equestrian Center25 International Blvd.Mill Spring, NC 28756 BACKGROUND:
Press Releases
Firefighters continue efforts to contain three wildfires in Polk County. The fires are being managed as a complex by the N.C. Forest Service Red Team, which assumed command of the incident Saturday, March 22.This group of fires consists of the Black Cove, Deep Woods and Fish Hook fires. Currently, there are 249 personnel from across North Carolina and other states assigned to and supporting this incident.
The N.C. Forest Service is reminding the public that a statewide ban on open burning remains in effect until further notice as most of the state is currently experiencing critical fire weather. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures are contributing to extreme fire behavior.
“I want to thank the members of the legislature for approving the start of an ag disaster assistance program to help farmers statewide recover from the disastrous 2024 farm season in North Carolina. And, I thank the governor for quickly signing this important bill.
Due to increased fire risk, the N.C. Forest Service has issued a ban on all open burning and has canceled all burning permits statewide effective 8 a.m. Friday, March 21, until further notice.
RALEIGH – North Carolina will observe Arbor Day Friday, March 21, to commemorate the annual tree-planting holiday.
A popular trail at DuPont State Recreational Forest (DSRF) is undergoing improvements, resulting in a temporary trail closure. Improvements to the two and a half mile trail will accommodate the high level of recreational use while increasing trail sustainability, reducing erosion and protecting the water quality of nearby streams and creeks.
CLAYTON – Clemmons Educational State Forest (ESF) located in Clayton has entered the peak season for visitation, bringing about the shift to summer hours of operation. On March 1, Clemmons ESF resumed weekend hours of visitation. Summer hours will remain in effect through Oct. 31.During peak season, forest hours of operation are:
RALEIGH – March signals the beginning of spring wildfire season in North Carolina, and the N.C. Forest Service is urging residents to be diligent about using best practices and common sense with all outdoor fires, especially yard debris burns.Western North Carolina counties dealing with significant storm debris from Hurricane Helene are especially vulnerable to wildfires due to increased fuel loading from downed timber.
RALEIGH – A backyard flock in Dare County has tested positive for High Path Avian Influenza (HPAI). The positive sample was identified by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Veterinary Diagnostic Lab in Raleigh. The flock has been depopulated to prevent spread of the disease. This is the first confirmed positive in Dare County. In January, HPAI was found in two commercial turkey operations in Sampson County and a layer operation in Hyde County.