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Newsdesk - 2023

April 23, 2023

U.S. Forest Service shield, Southern Area Red Team IMT insignia, N.C. Forest Service shield

Great Lakes Fire remains 36,000 acres in size and 30% contained as Southern Area Red Team assumes command

NEW BERN - The Great Lakes Fire on Croatan National Forest remains 36,000 acres in size and 30% contained as the Southern Area Red Team assumes operational command of the fire as of 6 p.m., Sunday, April 23. The fire is being managed with unified command between the U.S. Forest Service and N.C. Forest Service.

With the rainfall Saturday and mild weather Sunday, fire activity was reduced which helped firefighting crews carry out planned fire break construction during Sunday’s operational period.

The weather front moving through the area is not expected to bring much rainfall overnight and could possibly bring only light rain showers Monday.

Travelers on highways adjacent to the fire area should proceed with caution, especially on highways 17 and 70 where firefighters are operating. Expect smoke in the area, particularly in the mornings and evenings.

Firefighters continue working closely with the National Weather Service and cooperating agencies. Operational resources include personnel from the U.S. Forest Service, N.C. Forest Service, Craven County Emergency Services, Jones County Emergency Services, the U.S. Marine Corps and Weyerhaeuser Corporation.

The Southern Area Red Team, a Type 1 Incident Management Team, is due to arrive Sunday. The fire will enter unified command between the U.S. Forest Service and N.C. Forest Service.

There are no injuries and no structures threatened at this time. The cause of the Great Lakes Fire remains under investigation, and law enforcement personnel remain at the scene.

The public is reminded to keep drones away from wildfires. While drones provide unique opportunities for aerial video and imagery of wildfire activity, they are unauthorized. Flying a drone near or around a wildfire compromises the safety of pilots and interferes with firefighting efforts.

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April 23, 2023

Firefighting personnel make progress on Great Lakes Fire, now 30% contained and 36,000 acres in size

NEW BERN - Saturday evening thunderstorms resulted in beneficial rain, as much as half an inch, on the Great Lakes Fire. The fire’s northern perimeter is 5 miles southwest of Coastal Carolina Regional Airport.

As of 9 a.m. Sunday, April 23, the fire’s footprint remains the same, showing no growth overnight. As a result, firefighting crews have increased containment to 30%. Twenty tractor plow units are constructing 25 miles of firebreaks around the fire’s edge in an effort to prevent the fire from spreading to private land.

Higher pressure, 30-35% humidity and much lighter winds are expected Sunday. North to northwest winds Sunday morning will shift to the west in the afternoon, ahead of a dry cold front passing through overnight Sunday into Monday morning.

The Southern Area Red Team, a Type 1 Incident Management Team, is due to arrive Sunday. The fire will enter unified command between the U.S. Forest Service and N.C. Forest Service.

There are no injuries and no structures threatened at this time. The cause of the Great Lakes Fire remains under investigation, and law enforcement personnel remain at the scene.

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April 22, 2023

Great Lakes Fire estimated at 36,000 acres in size, 15% contained

NEW BERN - As of 6 p.m. Saturday, April 22, the Great Lakes Fire on the Croatan National Forest is estimated to be 36,000 acres in size with 15% containment. Throughout Saturday, much of the fire’s eastern perimeter remained the same, and firefighting personnel were effective in keeping the fire’s spread to the north at a minimum despite gusty, southerly winds.

Light rain showers across the fire area Saturday helped calm winds. Changing weather is expected during the next few days with a cold front approaching the area. Strong storms along that front are expected to impact the fire area through Saturday evening. Outflow winds and wetting rains are possible as the cold front passes through the area. Overnight, wind direction is expected to shift with winds coming out of the north and then the west.

Firefighters are working closely with the National Weather Service and cooperating agencies. To prepare for changing weather during the next few days, operational resources have been increased by about 50% and include personnel from the U.S. Forest Service, N.C. Forest Service, Craven County Emergency Services, Jones County Emergency Services, the U.S. Marine Corps and Weyerhaeuser.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is divided into six categories. Each category corresponds to a different level of health concern and has a specific color. The Purple or Very Unhealthy, air quality forecast today for Craven County includes a health alert where the risk of health effects is increased for everyone and not just those sensitive to air pollution. For wildfire smoke safety tips and resources, refer to the Craven County website.

The Southern Area Red Team, a Type 1 Incident Management Team, is due to arrive Sunday. The fire will enter unified command between the U.S. Forest Service and N.C. Forest Service.

There are no injuries and no structures threatened at this time. The cause of the Great Lakes Fire remains under investigation.

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April 22, 2023

Great Lakes Fire grows to 35,000 acres in Croatan National Forest; Type 1 Incident Management Team to arrive for in briefing Sunday, transition command Monday

NEW BERN - Fire crews are working to establish containment lines around the Great Lakes Fire on the Croatan National Forest in Craven and Jones counties. The fire was first detected Wednesday evening with units responding and attempting to put in containment lines around the estimated 50-acre fire. Dry windy conditions Thursday contributed to rapid fire growth.

The fire’s current size is estimated at 35,000 acres with 10% containment. Primary and secondary containment lines are being established on the eastern, southern and western sides of the fire. An emphasis is being placed on protecting private lands to the north.

Southerly winds are expected to continue through Saturday evening. Communities to the north of Croatan National Forest can expect smoke impacts to continue. The wind direction is expected to reverse with winds coming out of the north then west, potentially impacting the communities south and east of the forest. A chance of rain is expected in the forecast for Saturday which may reduce fire behavior in some areas.

Additional ground and aerial resources have been called up to assist in fighting the Great Lakes Fire. The Southern Area Red Team, a Type 1 Incident Management Team, is due to arrive Sunday. The fire will enter unified command between the U.S. Forest Service and N.C. Forest Service.

Operational resources working the fire include personnel from the U.S. Forest Service, N.C. Forest Service and Craven County fire departments. Travelers on highways adjacent to the fire area should proceed with caution, especially on highways 17 and 70 where firefighters are operating. Expect smoke in the area, particularly in the mornings and evenings.

There are no injuries and no structures threatened at this time. The cause of the Great Lakes Fire remains under investigation.

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April 13, 2023

Last Resort Fire now 100% contained following successful water operations

CRESWELL - Consistent water penetration into the fire area over the last several days has allowed firefighting crews to make significant progress on the Last Resort Fire. Firefighting personnel reached full containment Thursday, April 13. The fire reached 5,280 acres in size since igniting Friday, March 24.

After moving a combined 438 million gallons of water from Phelps Lake and a freshwater canal along Seagoing Road, the N.C. Forest Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ceased water pumping operations from Phelps Lake. Crews will continue to pull water from the seagoing canal to maintain current water levels.

Significant resources will demobilize Friday, April 14, as the unified command (UC) structure will downsize to a Type 4 Incident Management Team. Remaining resources will continue patrolling fire lines and monitoring water levels for the next several weeks to ensure the fire stays within its current footprint.

There are still no injuries and no structures threatened at this time. The cause of the fire was determined to be a debris burn on private land that escaped containment.

A temporary flight restriction (TFR) remains in effect for the Last Resort Fire. The TFR restricts all civilian aircraft, manned and unmanned, within 5 miles of the fire. The flight restriction remains in place until aviation support is no longer needed.

For information updates, visit https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/ncpor-last-resort-fire.

For the latest information about wildfires across the state, visit https://www.ncforestservice.gov/fire_control/sit_report.htm.

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April 4, 2023

Firefighting crews increase water flow into the Last Resort fire area

CRESWELL - Personnel working the Last Resort Fire in Tyrrell County have increased water flow into the fire area. The fire is now 68% contained and water will continue to soak the area over the next several days.

More than 120 million gallons of water has been pumped from Phelps Lake and a freshwater canal along Seagoing Road. Water handling operations are crucial for pumping water and moving it to the fire area to minimize loss of organic soil, reduce smoke impacts and prevent reburn.

Despite significant wind gusts across the fire area this past weekend, firefighting personnel have held the fire to 5,280 acres in size.

Operational resources working the fire include 81 personnel from the N.C. Forest Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

There are still no injuries and no structures threatened at this time. The cause of the fire was determined to be a debris burn on private land that escaped containment.

For information updates, visit https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/ncpor-last-resort-fire.

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April 2, 2023

Heavy wildfire activity spreads across Western North Carolina Saturday

ASHEVILLE - The N.C. Forest Service responded to 91 wildfires across Western North Carolina Saturday, April 1. Sylva, Asheville and Lenoir districts accounted for most of the wildfire activity.

High winds throughout Saturday led to many downed or damaged powerlines which provided the ignition sources for several of the fires. Escaped debris burning was also a factor.

“Extremely high wind speeds, warm temperatures and very low relative humidity created extremely challenging conditions for firefighters,” said Regional Forester Greg Smith. “NCFS resources were essentially maxed out due to the sheer number of fires that were ignited all across Western North Carolina.”

The N.C. Forest Service will continue to face challenges associated with resource capacity due to increased fire activity, high employee turnover and long-term vacancies.

“We are asking folks to please help us prevent further wildland fires by postponing any outdoor burning. Otherwise, we’ll see more of this in the coming days,” said Smith. Fire danger is predicted to be high and, in some cases, critical in the Foothills and Mountains early in the week.

As of 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 2, the N.C. Forest Service had successfully put containment lines around all known fires that ignited Saturday. Of those fires, 10 are still considered active as firefighters continue to work toward full containment.

For the latest information about wildfires across the state, visit https://www.ncforestservice.gov/fire_control/sit_report.htm.

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April 2, 2023

Containment lines around the Last Resort Fire hold firm against Saturday wind

CRESWELL - Despite substantial wind gusts across the fire area Saturday, the Last Resort Fire in Tyrrell County is now 56% contained. Additional mapping revealed the fire is 5,280 acres in size.

Firefighting personnel established pump sites at Phelps Lake and a fresh water canal alongside Seagoing Road. Water is flowing from Phelps Lake and should begin saturating the fire area by end of day Monday. Water will be used to soak the area over the next several days.

Water handling operations are crucial for pumping water and moving it to the fire area to minimize loss of organic soil, reduce smoke impacts and prevent reburn.

Operational resources working the fire include 79 personnel from the N.C. Forest Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

There are no injuries and no structures threatened at this time. The cause of the fire was determined to be a debris burn on private land that escaped containment.

A community meeting will be held at Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center Sunday, April 2, at 3 p.m. Representatives from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the N.C. Forest Service will address the plan for moving water to the fire area and answer questions.

For information updates, visit https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/ncpor-last-resort-fire.

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March 30, 2023

Last Resort Fire in Tyrrell County remains 5,293 acres in size as water pumping operations begin

CRESWELL - As of 4 p.m., March 30, the Last Resort Fire in Tyrrell County remains 5,293 acres in size and 48% contained.

Irrigation systems are wetting the fire area along Western Road. Firefighting personnel have established pump sites at Phelps Lake and a fresh water canal alongside Seagoing Road. Water pumps are expected to be in service and moving water Thursday evening.

Due to the distance between the fire area and closest water sources, water flowing into the fire area is still days away.

Water handling operations are crucial for pumping water and moving it to the fire area to minimize loss of organic soil, reduce smoke impacts and prevent reburn.

Cooler temperatures and recent rainfall have helped minimize smoke impacts. Communities northwest of the fire area near Roper and Plymouth can expect to smell smoke overnight and into Friday morning.

In the interest of safety, residents and commuters may want to consider allowing for extra travel time or plan to take alternate routes. Overnight, a combination of smoke and fog could lead to low visibility in some areas.

Those commuting Friday morning should remain alert and attentive to signage. Road closures may be implemented as needed.

Operational resources working the fire include 79 personnel from the N.C. Forest Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

There are no injuries and no structures threatened at this time. The cause of the fire was determined to be a debris burn on private land that escaped containment.

A temporary flight restriction (TFR) has been issued for the Last Resort Fire. The TFR restricts all civilian aircraft, manned and unmanned, within 5 miles of the fire. The flight restriction remains in place until aviation support is no longer needed.

For information updates, visit https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/ncpor-last-resort-fire.

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March 29, 2023

Last Resort Fire in Tyrrell County remains 48% contained

CRESWELL - Due to more accurate mapping, the Last Resort Fire in Tyrrell County is now 5,293 acres in size and remains 48% contained as of 4 p.m., March 29.

Infrared (IR) flights will continue to evaluate the extent of ground fire as personnel finalize a plan to utilize nearby fresh water sources to minimize loss of organic soil. Both fire and salt water will destroy peat soils. Protecting pocosins is foundational to healthy ecological and human communities. IR drone flights conducted Tuesday night revealed additional hot spots in the southeast fire area near Western Road.

To protect the organic peat soils, reduce smoke impacts and prevent reburn, irrigation systems are in place and water pumping operations have begun.

Communities between Plymouth, Columbia and Belhaven can expect smoke impacts overnight and into Thursday morning. Significant smoke is possible and may result in challenging travel conditions.

Those commuting Thursday morning should remain alert and attentive to signage. Road closures may be implemented as needed.

Operational resources working the fire include 72 personnel from the N.C. Forest Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

There are no injuries and no structures threatened at this time. The cause of the fire was determined to be a debris burn on private land that escaped containment.

For information updates, visit https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/ncpor-last-resort-fire.

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March 28, 2023

Last Resort Fire now 5,384 acres in size and 48% contained

CRESWELL - The Last Resort Fire in Tyrrell County is now 5,384 acres in size and 48% contained as of 4 p.m., March 28.

Overnight infrared (IR) drone flights revealed significant heat in the fire area. IR flights will continue to evaluate the extent of ground fire as personnel develop a plan to utilize nearby fresh water sources to minimize loss of organic soil. Both fire and salt water will destroy peat soils. Protecting pocosins is foundational to healthy ecological and human communities.

To protect the organic peat soils, reduce smoke impacts and prevent reburn, irrigation systems are being staged for water pumping operations to begin in the coming days.

Significant smoke is possible and may result in tedious travel conditions. Communities southeast of the fire near Greenville, Beaufort and Little Washington can expect smoke impacts overnight. Communities south of the fire area near Belhaven, Pantego, Fairfield and Swan Quarter can expect smoke impacts early Wednesday morning.

Those commuting Wednesday morning should remain alert and attentive to signage. Road closures may be implemented as needed.

Operational resources working the fire include 67 personnel from the N.C. Forest Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

There are no injuries and no structures threatened at this time. The cause of the fire was determined to be a debris burn on private land that escaped containment.

For information updates, visit https://www.ncforestservice.gov/fire_control/sit_report.htm.

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March 27, 2023

Last Resort Fire now 45% contained, smoke impacts expected to continue

CRESWELL - The Last Resort Fire in Tyrrell County is now 45% contained as of 4 p.m., March 27. Firefighting crews have continued to hold the fire to 5,200 acres in size.

The fire area received significant rainfall Sunday evening and into Monday morning with some areas of the fire receiving up to one inch.

Communities east of the fire in Columbia, N.C., and Dare County can expect smoke impacts overnight. Communities south of the fire area near Belhaven, Pantego and Scranton can expect smoke impacts early Tuesday morning.

Significant smoke is possible and may result in tedious travel conditions Monday evening into Tuesday morning. In the interest of safety, residents and commuters should allow for extra travel time or plan to take alternate routes. Overnight, a combination of smoke and fog could lead to low visibility in some areas.

Those commuting Tuesday morning should remain alert and attentive to signage. Road closures may be implemented as needed.

According to the National Weather Service, drivers should keep the following safety tips in mind if travel is necessary in foggy conditions:

Slow down. Allow extra time to reach your destination.
Make your vehicle visible to others in front of you and behind you. Use your low-beam headlights. Use fog lights if you have them.
Never use your high-beam lights. High-beam lights cause glares, making it more difficult to see what’s ahead of you on the road.
Leave plenty of distance between you and the vehicle in front of you to account for sudden stops or change in traffic patterns.
To ensure you are staying in the proper lane, follow the lines on the road with your eyes.
In extremely dense fog where visibility is near zero, the best course of action is to first turn on your hazard lights, then simply pull into a safe location such as a parking lot of a local business and stop.
If there is no parking lot or driveway to pull into, pull your vehicle off to the side of the road as far as possible. Once you come to a stop, turn off all lights except your hazard flashing lights, set the emergency break, and take your foot off of the brake pedal to be sure the taillights are not illuminated so that other drivers don’t mistakenly run into you.

Operational resources working the fire include 82 personnel.

There are no injuries and no structures threatened at this time. The cause of the fire was determined to be a debris burn that escaped containment.

For information updates, visit https://www.ncforestservice.gov/fire_control/sit_report.htm.

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March 26, 2023

Last Resort Fire now 34% contained, N.C. Forest Service Type 3 Incident Management Team assumes command

CRESWELL - The Last Resort Fire in Tyrrell County is now 34% contained as of 4 p.m., March 26. Due to more accurate mapping, the fire is 5,200 acres in size.

Firefighting crews will continue efforts to improve containment lines and monitor conditions through the remainder of the operational period.

Easterly winds following Sunday’s weather front will push smoke impacts west of the fire area. Communities between Roper and Creswell may be most impacted.

Significant smoke is possible and may result in tedious travel conditions Sunday evening into Monday morning. In the interest of safety, residents and commuters should allow for extra travel time or plan to take alternate routes. Overnight, a combination of smoke and fog could lead to low visibility in some areas.

Those needing to commute Monday morning should remain alert and attentive to signage. Road closures may be implemented as needed.

According to the National Weather Service, drivers should keep the following safety tips in mind if travel is necessary in foggy conditions:

Slow down. Allow extra time to reach your destination.
Make your vehicle visible to others in front of you and behind you. Use your low-beam headlights. Use fog lights if you have them.
Never use your high-beam lights. High-beam lights cause glares, making it more difficult to see what’s ahead of you on the road.
Leave plenty of distance between you and the vehicle in front of you to account for sudden stops or change in traffic patterns.
To ensure you are staying in the proper lane, follow the lines on the road with your eyes.
In extremely dense fog where visibility is near zero, the best course of action is to first turn on your hazard lights, then simply pull into a safe location such as a parking lot of a local business and stop.
If there is no parking lot or driveway to pull into, pull your vehicle off to the side of the road as far as possible. Once you come to a stop, turn off all lights except your hazard flashing lights, set the emergency break, and take your foot off of the brake pedal to be sure the taillights are not illuminated so that other drivers don’t mistakenly run into you.

Operational resources working the fire include 66 personnel.

There are no injuries and no structures threatened at this time. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

For information updates, visit https://www.ncforestservice.gov/fire_control/sit_report.htm.

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March 25, 2023

Last Resort Fire at 5,800 acres and 0% containment, crews continue to improve containment lines

CRESWELL - After strategic firing operations, the Last Resort Fire in Tyrrell County is estimated to be 5,800 acres and 0% contained as of 4 p.m., March 25.

Light rain temporarily moderated conditions late in the afternoon. Firefighting crews will continue efforts to improve containment lines and monitor conditions through the remainder of the operational period.

While smoke is not expected to impact visibility, drivers traveling through the area should remain alert. The smell of smoke should also be expected, especially in areas east of Creswell.

Operational resources working the fire include 75 personnel. A Type 3 IMT is expected to take command of the fire Sunday, March 26.

There are no injuries and no structures threatened at this time. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

For information updates, visit https://www.ncforestservice.gov/fire_control/sit_report.htm.

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March 25, 2023

Last Resort Fire in Tyrrell County at 4,500 acres and 0% containment

TYRRELL COUNTY - As of 9 a.m., March 25, the Last Resort Fire burning on private and federal lands in Tyrrell County is estimated to be 4,500 acres in size and 0% contained.

Firefighting personnel are conducting burnout operations between Icabod and J. Canal roads today. Significant smoke is expected due to ground fire throughout the burn area and the planned burnout operations.

The fire is being managed with unified command between the N.C. Forest Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Operational resources working the fire include 48 personnel.

A Type 3 incident management team (IMT) is being mobilized and expected to take command of the fire Sunday, March 26.

There are no injuries and no structures threatened at this time. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

For information updates, visit https://www.ncforestservice.gov/fire_control/sit_report.htm.

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March 15, 2023

N.C. Forest Service celebrates Arbor Day and the importance of the tree-planting holiday

RALEIGH - Arbor Day is observed annually as a time to celebrate the importance of trees and the many benefits we receive from them.

Once deemed “the treeless plain,” Nebraska was home to the first Arbor Day celebration in 1872 with the planting of more than a million trees. The national observance of Arbor Day takes place the last Friday in April each year, while North Carolina observes Arbor Day the first Friday following March 15, so March 17 this year.

“The stakes are getting higher with challenges like land conversion continuing to take place,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Trees are a solution. Planting trees contributes to cleaner air and water and is one way we can all be part of the sustainable management and preservation of North Carolina’s forests for future generations.”

Planting trees and responsible urban forest management at the local level including community involvement and participation in urban forestry recognition programs are critical to sustaining healthy forest resources in North Carolina.

North Carolina is fortunate to have a variety of state forestry programs that protect forest resources by supporting landowners and communities with tree planting, site preparation and forest improvement. These include cost share programs such as the Forest Development Program and the Urban and Community Forestry Financial Assistance Program, both managed by the N.C. Forest Service. The NCFS Urban and Community Forestry Program also oversees the application and award process for Tree City USA, Tree Campus Higher Education and Tree Line USA.

“Community involvement is at the core of urban forestry,” said David Lane, state forester. “N.C. Forest Service staff are positioned to help landowners with managing their woods. Tree inventories and canopy cover assessments are a critical need for our state, and our staff can help communities accomplish those practices. Get started by contacting your NCFS county ranger’s office.”

Find your county ranger’s contact information at www.ncforestservice.gov/contacts. Learn more about the N.C. Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program at www.ncforestservice.gov/Urban/Urban_Forestry.htm.

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March 12, 2023

Educational State Forests shift to summer schedule beginning March 1

RALEIGH - North Carolina’s educational state forests (ESFs) have transitioned from winter schedules to those coveted summer hours. This includes Clemmons ESF, Holmes ESF, Jordan Lake ESF, Turnbull Creek ESF and Tuttle ESF. With this transition, ESFs resumed weekend operations and visitation hours, including the opening of all restrooms. ESFs are open weekly and summer hours will remain in effect through Oct. 31.

Forest hours of operation are:

Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The forests are closed Mondays.

For forest contact information and to learn more about forest programming and amenities, visit https://www.ncesf.org/.

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Feb. 27, 2023

N.C. Forest Service urges residents across the state to exercise caution when burning yard debris

RALEIGH - March officially signals the start of spring wildfire season, and the N.C. Forest Service is urging residents to practice caution and prioritize safety when burning leaves, limbs and other yard waste.

In 2022, nearly 6,400 wildfires burned more than 27,000 acres across the state. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, North Carolina ranked third in the nation for number of human-caused wildfires with 99% of wildfires in our state resulting from human activity. Escaped outdoor fires continue to be the leading cause of wildfires in North Carolina.

“You continue to be the best defense against wildfires,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Always exercise caution with any outdoor burning. Avoid burning on dry, windy days and be sure you have a valid burn permit.”

Spring weather draws people outdoors to work in their yards and many choose burning as a method to dispose of leaves and other yard debris. March through May can be peak months for wildfire activity across the state, and fires left unattended can spread quickly. For those who choose to burn, the N.C. Forest Service recommends the following tips:

Consider alternatives to burning. Some types of debris, such as leaves, grass and stubble, may be of more value if they are not burned but used for mulch instead.
Check local burning laws. Some communities allow burning only during specified hours. Others forbid it entirely.
Make sure you have a valid permit. You can obtain a burn permit at any N.C. Forest Service office or authorized permitting agent, or online at www.ncforestservice.gov/burnpermit.
Keep an eye on the weather. Don’t burn on dry, windy days.
Local fire officials can recommend a safe way to burn debris. Don’t pile vegetation on the ground. Instead, place it in a cleared area and contain it in a screened receptacle away from overhead branches and wires.
Household trash must be hauled away to a trash or recycling station. It is illegal to burn anything other than vegetative material.
Be sure you are fully prepared before burning. To control the fire, you will need a hose, bucket, steel rake and a shovel for tossing dirt on the fire. Keep a phone nearby, too.
Never use kerosene, gasoline, diesel fuel or other flammable liquids to speed up debris burning.
Stay with your fire until it is completely out.
These same tips apply to campfires and grills as well. Douse burning charcoal briquettes or campfires thoroughly with water. Drown all embers, not just the red ones. When soaked, stir the coals and soak them again. Make sure everything is wet and that embers are cold to the touch. If you do not have water, mix enough dirt or sand with the embers to extinguish the fire, being careful not to bury the fire. Never dump hot ashes or coals into a wooded area.
In addition to the rules above, a fire line should be plowed around the area to be burned when burning agricultural residue and forestland litter. Large fields should be separated into small plots for burning one at a time. Before any burning in a wooded area, contact your NCFS county ranger for technical advice on burning.

To learn more about fire safety and preventing wildfires and loss of property, go to www.ncforestservice.gov. For information about creating defensible space and a fire-resistant landscape around your home and property, visit www.resistwildfirenc.org.

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Jan. 26, 2023

Urban and Community Forestry Financial Assistance Request for Applications will open Feb. 1, 2023

RALEIGH - The N.C. Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry (U&CF) program will begin accepting requests for applications for the first of four financial assistance programs beginning Feb. 1, 2023. Applications for the remaining three programs will open March 1, 2023. The program provides financial assistance for communities to complete U&CF practices and activities that will enhance the benefits and sustainable management of North Carolina’s urban forests.

The U&CF practices and activities categories include:

Urban Forestry tree inventories and canopy cover assessments;
Urban Forestry ordinance and policy development;
Urban and Community Forestry plan development;
Community Forestry activities;
Urban and Community Forestry professional staff development; and,
Special projects

Funding for this program is provided by the USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program and funds are available for local, tribal and state government entities, public educational institutions, not-for-profits and other tax-exempt organizations. Awarded practices and activities are funded at a 50% federal funding, 50% awardee cost share reimbursement basis. Additional financial assistance and support is available for disadvantaged communities.

Prospective grantees may attend an informational webinar Feb. 14 to learn more about these future offerings including federal funds available as part of the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act.

To learn more about the NCFS Urban and Community Forestry Financial Assistance program and to access application instructions and the informational webinar, visit the Urban and Community Forestry Financial Assistance website.

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Jan. 10, 2023

Insect and disease complex leading to tree mortality in Ashe and Alleghany counties

GLADE VALLEY - The N.C. Forest Service has observed and received landowner reports of diseased and dying white pines in the Crumpler community in Ashe County and the Glade Valley community in Alleghany County.

Symptomatic trees showing evidence they have come under a combined attack from the white pine bast scale and the Caliciopsis canker have been found throughout most of Western North Carolina, with significant damage having taken place in these two counties.

“Typically, this pest problem occurs on stressed trees,” said Brandon Keener, Alleghany County ranger. “However, this year seemingly healthy trees are being impacted as well.”

The white pine bast scale is often found in branch unions beneath lichen and embedded in cankers. The insect is only visible with the use of a magnifying lens, and its feeding facilitates an infection from a fungal pathogen resulting in the Caliciopsis canker. The disease then causes cankers to develop beneath the bark, reducing the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients. If the white pine develops too many cankers, mortality becomes possible.

“We’re encouraging landowners to inspect any white pines on their property for signs of the disease,” said Brian Heath, forest health specialist. “Affected trees will reveal branch dieback, crown thinning, cankers of diseased or dead tissues just beneath the bark, excessive resin flow and in some cases, death.”

The white pine bast scale primarily attacks weakened, overstocked, overmature or edge trees. Currently, there are no management or treatment options for controlling this pest. It is unknown why the disease began impacting healthy trees during the 2022 summer months, but researchers with the U.S. Forest Service and N.C. State University are currently investigating the issue.

To learn more about this insect and disease complex, visit https://www.ncforestservice.gov/forest_health/pdf/FHN/FHN-202202-WPBSC.pdf, or call your NCFS county ranger. To find contact information for your local county ranger, visit https://www.ncforestservice.gov/contacts.

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