Multiple Counties in NC Declare Burn Bans and State of Emergency Due to Severe Drought

Buncombe County in North Carolina has declared a state of emergency and expanded a burn ban due to extreme fire risk caused by severe drought conditions. The ban prohibits all outdoor burning, including fire pits and campfires, except for food preparation on outdoor grills. Several wildfires have already occurred in the region, with homes being evacuated and structures damaged. County officials are urging residents to develop safety plans and stay informed through the Code Red text messaging system. The ban on open burning has also been extended to multiple counties in the area. The state of emergency allows for coordinated emergency response efforts with various agencies and organizations.