Flat Branch Volunteer Fire Department

Thank you State Fire Marshall for stopping by and recognizing the life achievements of our members. And huge thank you and best wishes to Jed and Mike!

We know you've been waiting for this news. Responsible, safe, permitted burning will be allowed starting tomorrow.

EDIT: County Fire Marshall has lifted their ban effective the same time.

Please be responsible!

The N.C. Forest Service has lifted a ban on all open burning for Harnett (+80 more) counties effective 8 a.m. Sunday, May 3. The statewide ban on open burning went into effect March 28 due to hazardous forest fire conditions.

The lifting of the burn ban in 81 counties does not apply to fires started within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. The local fire marshal has authority to issue or lift a burn ban within those 100 feet.

As of 8 a.m. Sunday, May 3, burn permits are available in the counties no longer under the state’s ban on open burning. Residents in those counties can obtain a burn permit from any authorized permitting agent or online at https://apps.ncagr.gov/burnpermits/. All burn permits granted before the statewide burn ban were canceled when the ban became effective. To legally burn in the counties no longer under the state’s ban, a valid permit must be obtained.

The statewide burn ban remains in effect until further notice despite weekend rain in some areas. Persistent dry weather and increasing rainfall deficits from the last several months have left most of the state needing 10 inches of rain or more.

“While the rainfall we received over the weekend was a welcome sight, it offered little to no relief from widespread drought conditions while being nowhere near enough to reduce our wildfire risk,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Even the areas that received the heaviest amount of rain will quickly dry out from the sunshine and warmer temperatures. Until we get some additional rain and see more green-up in our forests, holding the burn ban in place statewide is the best option right now.”

While green-up and leaf-out are progressing at normal rate, low soil moisture, dry surface fuels and persistent low humidity are contributing to wildfire activity. For Western North Carolina, excessive forest fuels from Hurricane Helene are more available now than they were in 2025, low water levels in coastal areas have helped produce intense fire behavior where ground fire will likely be a long-term issue, and the Piedmont experienced 87 new wildfire starts over the weekend alone. Extended attack and mop-up efforts will be taxing and long-winded until drought conditions improve.

Read news release: https://bit.ly/497dNht

Burn bans remain in place (NC Forestry and Harnett County Fire Marshal). Please do not burn, this includes burn barrels or small piles.

An Increased Fire Danger statement has been issued for those in the western Piedmont and Sandhills regions for this afternoon and early evening. Post-frontal gustiness combined with crashing humidity will support dangerous fire wx conditions. A burn ban remains in place!

Just a reminder that a full burn ban is still in place.

Hazardous Weather Update 4.14.26

🔥 The combination of dry fuels, very warm temperatures, gusty winds, and reduced humidity will lead to an increased risk of wildfires again today.

🍂 Most dry grasses, dead leaves, and other tree litter could easily ignite and spread fire quickly.

❌ A statewide burn ban issued by the N.C. Forest Service remains in place.

For tips on how you can be prepared for wildfires, visit https://www.readync.gov/wildfire

Everyone, I'm sure you're aware of the forecast for this weekend. We are going to get snow. Plan now, and use caution once it arrives. Hopefully we will not have the ice of last weekend, but again, if you don't need to be out, especially at night or if you are not used to driving in the snow, please stay in.

As with last weekend, we have crews working and on standby. Please ensure you give us, EMS, police, power and snow clearing crews space. It ensures safety for all of us.

Be safe, stay warm!