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As you gather with friends and family around your backyard fire pit for an evening of toasting and roasting, there are some important safety tips to keep in mind. 

North Carolina’s Forest Service, along with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, is urging the public to use caution when engaging in recreational burning as the fall wildfire season has made its arrival.

From October through early December, the fall fire season is at its highest.

“Fall weather and the beautiful changing foliage in North Carolina draws people outdoors to take in activities such as camping, hiking or working in their yards to dispose of leaves and other yard debris,” N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said.

Blazes that are left unattended can quickly become wildfires that can be life-threatening and damage properties. Remaining cautious and attentive is key when dealing with any outdoor fires, such as grilling, burning leaves or building a campfire to protect our forests, the NCFS release stated.  

Between the period of 2021-2022, only 1% of wildfires were ignited by natural causes, such as lighting, while the other 99% were directly linked to human involvement as that year had a total of 6,997 wildfires that burned 26,958 acres in North Carolina, according to the NCFS.

In November of 2021, due to the steep and difficult terrain of the Sauratown Mountains in Stokes County, it took 16 days to control and contain a wildfire, while shortly after on Nov. 27, the largest wildfire of that season took place at Pilot Mountain State Park in Surry County that burned 1,050 acres. Human interaction with fire played a big part in both wildfire incidents, the NCFS said.

“Always exercise caution with any outdoor burning. Even when burn bans are not in effect, weather conditions may not be favorable for outdoor fires,” Troxler said. “Outdoor burning is discouraged during periods of low humidity or high winds.”

For the safety of our environment, The North Carolina Forest Service urges the following burning safety tips:

The USDA Forest Service​ urges the public to not only take safety precautions when burning, but to also know how to safely extinguish campfires to help prevent wildfires.

To learn more about the importance of fire safety and steps that can reduce the possibility of wildfires visit www.ncforestservice.gov and www.smokeybear.com.