February 19, 2008

The ban enacted by the state prohibits outdoor burning in all areas other than within 100 feet of a dwelling. Catawba County Fire Marshal David Pruitt has the authority, as do all fire marshals across the state, to extend the ban to within 100 feet of a dwelling. Because of the continuing drought conditions in our area, Pruitt has declared a ban on all outdoor burning in Catawba County.

“After talking with local Forestry Services officials, I have concluded that the safest decision is to enact a total burning ban in Catawba County,” Pruitt said. “Even though we have received more rainfall since December than we got last fall, our area is already two inches behind average for rainfall in 2008. The decision to enact the local option for the fullest burning ban means there is to be no outdoor burning at all until the Governor cancels the current statewide ban.”

Pruitt said the ban is unlikely to be lifted until the area receives significant rainfall. Citizens can help keep Catawba County safe by watching for hazardous fire situations and calling if 9-1-1 if dangerous conditions exist. Pruitt says another good safety measure is to avoid keeping lit cigarettes inside vehicles.

“Under North Carolina law, if an individual causes a fire, he or she is responsible for the damage caused from it,” Pruitt said. “The fine for illegal outdoor burning is typically $50 per violation per day, but the North Carolina Forestry Service issues fines of $100 per violation, plus court costs. We are grateful that the citizens of Catawba County understand the need for this burning ban, and have been cooperating with us during this hazardous time. We ask their continued understanding in the months to come.”

For more information, you may contact the Catawba County Fire Marshal's Office at 828-465-8238 or, for citizens in Hickory and Newton, the Fire Marshal’s Offices in those communities.