Durham County Issues Burn Ban

Durham, N.C. – The Durham County Office of Emergency Services Fire Marshal Division   has announced a countywide burn ban, effective Monday, March 23, 2026, at 6 a.m., due to dry conditions and increased fire danger.  The ban will be in effect until further notice and will be reevaluated as necessary to determine when it is appropriate to lift the ban.

“Recent and anticipated weather conditions are among factors that led to this decision,” said Assistant Fire Marshal Tyler Fitts.

The ban covers recreational burning and burning of natural vegetation in all areas of Durham County outside of the municipal city limits. The burning of trash is always prohibited. “In accordance with the Durham County Ordinance and the North Carolina State Fire Prevention Code burn bans may be enacted at a local level within 100 feet of a structure.” Uncontained fires, including campfires and open burning, are also included in this temporary ban.

This temporary ban provides fire departments with the authority to extinguish any outdoor fires without delay or question. ”The ban is not intended to be punitive but rather an educational and preventative measure,” emphasized Fitts. “We ask all residents and visitors to comply with this ban to help protect lives, property, and our entire community.”

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