Fire Officials Offer Warning on"Open Burning" in Mecklenburg County and in the City of Charlotte.  Although the NC statewide burning ban has been lifted this does not mean that all open burning is allowed in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.  Burning permits can be issued for specific agricultural and horticultural purposes in Mecklenburg County by the Mecklenburg County Fire Marshal's Office.  Open burning is prohibited within the City of Charlotte.    

Fire officials would like to offer the following safety tips to prevent a woodlands fire:

• Be aware when grilling on or near wooden decks, grass or pine straw. 
• Dispose of smoking materials properly.
• Avoid parking vehicles in dry grass when the hot pollution control equipment could come into contact with dry vegetation.
• An adult should always be present during grilling and children and pets should be kept a safe distance away. 
• Never use gasoline, kerosene or any other flammable liquid to start a fire because the risk of personal injury is high.
• Be prepared to extinguish grills or permitted fires if the wind picks up or weather changes. Use common sense in dry and windy weather. Sudden wind change is how most open burning gets out of control.
• Don't Wait to Call for Help, if you spot a woodlands fire call 911 immediately.

 Mecklenburg County Fire Marshal's Office and the Charlotte Fire Department want you to enjoy your spring and summer without the worry of dangers associated with woodland fires!  For more information on open burning requirements contact Mecklenburg County Fire Marshal's office at 704-336-2154, or if you live in the Charlotte city limits at 704-336-2101.