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POLK COUNTY—As of Wednesday morning, Polk County residents will again need to obtain permits before any open burning on their property.

The N.C. Forest Service has reinstated the requirement for burn permits in 21 western counties, including Polk. The requirement was waived on October 12 through the authorization of the Disaster Recovery Act, allowing residents to burn vegetation and other debris on their property without a permit following Helene’s devastation. 

“North Carolinians never cease to amaze me with their ability to persevere through trying times and overcome great challenges,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Hurricane Helene was nothing short of devastating, but North Carolinians have responded, critical infrastructure has improved, and communities are bouncing back. Given the progress made throughout Western North Carolina, we feel the time is right to lift the waiver on burn permits to ensure safe burning practices are applied.”

Burn permits are also now required in Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cleveland, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey counties. 

Residents can obtain a burn permit online at ncforestservice.gov/burnpermit or from any open authorized permitting agent.

When burning outdoors, never leave your fire unattended, and never burn on a dry, windy day. Additionally, always keep a water source, shovel, and rake nearby while burning. For more wildfire prevention tips, visit.ncforestservice.gov.