Ban on Open Fires in NC

[dragonfly]

This was announced Tuesday, August 21, and is in effect until further notice:

http://www.wfmynews2.com/rss/local/article.aspx?storyid=88490&provider=rss

It sounds like stoves are ok, but no campfires... It's way too hot around here to want a campfire anyway!

[Pedaling Fool]

IT HAS BEEN A DRY YEAR!

I thru-hiked in 2006 and section-hiked this year from Springer – Damascus. Last year (2006) I crossed a creek about 1-2 miles north of Jones branch (340.0 miles from Springer), that required actual fording, like the ones in Maine.
This year (2007) I barley got my feet wet at that same creek. Also the stream at Jones Branch where there’s also a footbridge was completely dried up, that was 11 May 2007.

[fehchet]

It is nice sometimes to have a small fire at a shelter but always good notion to heed fire restrictions. Here on the coast of
Maine, it has been in the upper 30's and lower 40's this past week and very dry. No need for a fire beyond a cook stove.

[SGT Rock]

Just heard the same thing on TV today for the Smokies - so that would include Campgrounds in GSMNP on the Tennessee side.

[Chaco Taco]

Very dry as well as hot. Rain moved through the Piedmont and coastal plains. First real rainfall in months. Hopefully a tropical system will push up here and get us the rain we so despearately need.

[Frolicking Dinosaurs]

GSMNP has also banned fires: http://www.nps.gov/grsm/parknews/bc-fire-ban.htm

[Rain Man]

I received this overnight from the Georgia AT Club--

"Sent: Thursday, August 23, 2007 2:39 PM
"Subject: Fire Ban in North Carolina and GSMNP

"The National Forests in NC has issued a ban on open fires on National Forest Lands in North Carolina , effective from August 22 through December 22, 2007. Fires only permitted in developed recreation areas and only in developed fire pits, grills or fire rings. The North Carolina Division of Forestry Resources has also issued a multi-county ban on fires in the state."

"Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials have announced a ban on campfires in the park’s backcountry, effective immediately, due to extremely dry conditions and high fire danger. This restriction will be in effect until further notice. The fire ban only applies to campers utilizing the park’s 100+ backcountry sites and shelters. It does not affect campers at the park’s 10 frontcountry (developed) campgrounds or picnickers using fire grills at picnic areas. Fires at developed areas must be confined to designated fire rings and grills."

[goodwillhiking]

the state-wide open fire ban was lifted today at noon.
see the link below...

http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/1828405/