Newsdesk - 2016

Ban on open burning lifted for 15 Piedmont counties
December 6, 2016

RALEIGH – Fire experts with the N.C. Forest Service say rains this past weekend and into Monday have helped to reduce fire danger in the North Carolina Piedmont, prompting the agency to lift the ban on open burning for 15 remaining counties effective at 5 p.m. Monday.

The burn ban has been lifted in these counties: Anson, Caswell, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Guilford, Montgomery, Randolph, Richmond, Rockingham, Rowan, Stanly, Stokes, Surry and Yadkin.

“Fire experts with the N.C. Forest Service have looked closely at all the counties under a ban on open burning and are comfortable that the recent rains have helped lessen the fire danger,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “However, people should continue to use caution with campfires and when burning yard debris.”

The N.C. Forest Service will continue to evaluate fire conditions across the state, Troxler said.

Those looking to burn yard debris will need to apply for a burn permit, even if one had already been issued prior to the ban.

Many counties are also imposing their own local ordinances prohibiting burning within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling, such as your home, so residents should call their local fire marshal before engaging in any burning activities. Outdoor burning is also prohibited in areas covered by Code Orange or Code Red air quality forecasts.

While the recent rainfall and lower temperatures have reduced fire danger, this small amount of precipitation has not ended drought conditions in the state. If the state continues to have warmer temperatures, below-normal precipitation and drought, and there is an increase in the number of wildfires, the ban on open burning could be reinstated.

Based on North Carolina’s open burning laws, the N.C. Forest Service offers these tips to landowners:

• Make sure you have an approved burning permit. You can obtain a burning permit at any N.C. Forest Service office, a county-approved burning permit agent, or online at ncforestservice.gov.
• Check with your county fire marshal’s office for local laws on burning debris. Some communities allow burning only during specified hours; others forbid it entirely.
• The national forests, national parks and state parks have also recently put burn bans in place. Please check with them if your intent is to have a campfire on property they manage.
• Check the weather. Don’t burn if conditions are dry or windy.
• Consider alternatives to burning. Some yard debris such as leaves and grass may be more valuable if composted.
• Open burning includes burning leaves, branches and other plant material. In all cases, it is illegal to burn trash, lumber, tires, newspapers, plastics or other non-vegetative materials. Trash should be hauled away to a convenience center.
• Plan burning for the late afternoon when conditions are typically less windy and more humid.
• If you must burn, be prepared. Use a shovel or hoe to clear a perimeter around the area around where you plan to burn. Keep fire tools ready. To control the fire, you will need a hose, bucket, a steel rake and a shovel for tossing dirt on the fire.
• Never use flammable liquids such as kerosene, gasoline or diesel fuel to speed debris burning.
• Stay with your fire until it is completely out. In North Carolina, human carelessness leads to more wildfires than any other cause. In fact, debris burning is the number cause of wildfires in North Carolina.

For more information, contact Brian Haines, public information officer with the N.C. Forest Service, at 919-857-4828.

Open-burning ban lifted for 32 mountain counties, remains in effect for 15 Piedmont counties
December 2, 2016

RALEIGH – Fire experts with the N.C. Forest Service say recent rains have helped to reduce fire danger in the North Carolina mountains, prompting the agency to lift the ban on open burning for 32 counties effective at 5 p.m. today.

The burn ban has been lifted in these counties: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Iredell, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Union, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey.

However, the Piedmont received significantly less rain and fire experts are less comfortable with fuel conditions there, so the burn ban will remain in effect for the following 15 counties: Anson, Caswell, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Guilford, Montgomery, Randolph, Richmond, Rockingham, Rowan, Stanly, Stokes, Surry and Yadkin.

“The N.C. Forest Service has noted that not all areas received the soaking rain needed to fully mitigate fuel conditions,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “They would like some additional time to assess fire conditions in the Piedmont counties currently under the ban.”

The N.C. Forest Service continues to evaluate the need for the ban daily, Troxler said.

No new burn permits will be issued in the 15 Piedmont counties until the ban is lifted. In counties where the ban has been lifted, people wanting to burn debris will need to reapply for a permit. For more information, contact Brian Haines, public information officer with the N.C. Forest Service, at 919-857-4828.

Here is more information about the ban on open burning and other precautions in place:

• The ban prohibits all open burning, regardless of whether a permit was issued. All burning is prohibited if it is 100 feet or more from an occupied dwelling.
• Many counties across the state are imposing their own local ordinances prohibiting burning within that 100 feet, so residents should call their local fire marshal before engaging in any burning activities.
• People in violation of the ban will be assessed a $100 fine and risk violating air quality regulations and local ordinances. Outdoor burning is also prohibited in areas covered by Code Orange or Code Red air quality forecasts.
• Open burning includes burning leaves, branches and other plant material. In all cases, it is illegal to burn trash, lumber, tires, newspapers, plastics or other non-vegetative materials.
• The N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation is not permitting campfires and open cooking fires at any of its parks west of Interstate 95. South Mountains State Park remains closed due to wildfire activity. Chimney Rock State Park has reopened except for the Rumbling Bald climbing access. Before visiting, check park conditions at www.ncparks.gov/.
• The U.S. Forest Service is not allowing campfires anywhere in the backcountry on federal park land, even for cooking. Campers will have to use camp stoves for cooking in the backcountry. For more information, visit www.fs.usda.gov/nfsnc.
• The National Park Service and Appalachian Trail Conservancy also have imposed fire restrictions along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail from U.S. Route 33 in Shenandoah National Park to the southern terminus at Springer Mountain, Georgia. These fire restrictions include the NPS lands around McAfee Knob and Tinker Cliffs in Virginia. The A.T. is currently closed from Dicks Creek Gap/U.S. 76 in Georgia to the Nantahala River/U.S. 19/U.S. 74 in North Carolina. Up-to-date information can be found at www.appalachiantrail.org/trailupdates.

The burn ban was issued for North Carolina’s 25 westernmost counties on Nov. 7. An additional 22 counties were added Nov. 21 as drought conditions worsened in the mountains and spread into the Piedmont. Wildfires have burned more than 73,000 acres in Western North Carolina this fall.

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Party Rock Fire 70% contained
November 25, 2016

The Party Rock Fire is now 70% contained but small flames and smoke are still visible within the fire’s footprint, as lingering hot spots flare up. About 300 fire fighters and support personnel remain on the fire. The crews are working diligently to find and extinguish any trouble spots that could threaten containment lines. Rain is forecast early next week so crews are also taking steps to make sure the bulldozer lines and hand lines which were constructed during the firefight, don’t contribute to erosion if significant rain falls. Total acreage remains at 7,171.

“Some people almost lost their homes during this fire,” says Incident Commander Link Smith, “and we owe it to them to ensure they’re not threatened again.” An infrared flight over the fire last night still shows hot spots and crews are still finding embers hidden under the leaves and other forest debris. Once again today fire fighters will use hand-held infrared cameras to locate any remaining heat sources near the fire lines.

The main attraction (Chimney Rock itself) and visitor center at Chimney Rock State Park re-opens to the public today, however the remainder of the park is closed until further notice. The Welcome Center at Lake Lure is also re-opening today.

Party Rock Fire information can be found on INCIWEB (inciweb.nwcg.gov/) or on the Town of Lake Lure website (www.townoflakelure.com/). A public information center phone line is open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. at 828-513-2500.

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New Team, Same Mission
November 23, 2016

A Type 1 Incident Management Team from the Oregon Department of Forestry assumed command of the Party Rock Fire at 7:00 a.m. this morning. During the morning briefing, team members praised the work of the North Carolina Forest Service and the many cooperating agencies that have worked the fire so far. Containment is now 54%, and due to the successful work of the past week, many resources have been released and each day more are going home or to other fires.

Incoming Incident Commander Link Smith says the Oregon team is pleased to have the opportunity help out in North Carolina. “We’ve had a ton of help from North Carolina come to Oregon during the fire seasons of 2013, 2014 and 2015,” says Smith, “and it’s an honor to be here to serve and to start to repay what so many have done for the people of Oregon.”

Some lingering hot spots remain within the perimeter of the Party Rock Fire and today’s challenge will be to find any that are close to containment lines and make sure they are out cold. The falling leaves that are continuing to cover up both the hot spots and containment lines complicate that challenge. Fire fighters will patrol, re-clear the lines where needed and “grid” the fire perimeter. Gridding is a methodical process of making sure every piece of ground along the perimeter is free of active fire.

Smoke in the area this morning is from other fires, not the Party Rock Fire.

Party Rock Fire information can be found on INCIWEB or on the Town of Lake Lure website.A public information center phone line is open from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. at 828-513-2500. A second number listed on older news releases, which had a 336 prefix, has been disconnected. News updates will now be issued once each morning, unless circumstances warrant additional releases.

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All Roads Open, All Evacuations Cancelled
November 21, 2016

Fire Danger Remains

All roads that had been closed due to the Party Rock Fire at Lake Lure are now open and all evacuation orders and pre-evacuation notices were cancelled as of noon today. However, fire managers would like to remind citizens that the fire danger remains very high because of the ongoing drought and that they should continue vigilance in watching for fire information and hazards. Today, North Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture Steve Troxler extended the open burning ban to an additional 22 counties. More information on that ban.

“The fuels cannot get any drier,” said John Cook, a Fire Behavior Analyst on the Party Rock Fire. “They are at historically dry levels right now, and humidity levels have been very low as well.” No rain is in the forecast for Tuesday with only a chance of showers on Wednesday, therefore everyone is asked to use extreme caution with anything that could cause another fire. Two new wildfires were reported in McDowell County over the weekend.

Because of the continued progress on the Party Rock Fire, resources are now being released to other fires or to return home. No further donations of any kind are needed to support the remaining fire fighters. The Brandon Incident Management Team would like to extend a special thank you to the citizens of the Lake Lure and Chimney Rock Village communities and surrounding areas for their outpouring of generosity to those involved with fighting the Party Rock Fire.

Party Rock Fire information can be found on INCIWEB or on the Town of Lake Lure website.

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Burning ban issued for 22 additional counties to protect lives and property
November 21, 2016

RALEIGH – Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler today banned open burning and canceled all burning permits for 22 more counties in Western North Carolina. Added to the list are Alleghany, Anson, Ashe, Cabarrus, Caswell, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Guilford, Iredell, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Randolph, Richmond, Rockingham, Rowan, Stanly, Stokes, Surry, Union, Wilkes and Yadkin counties.

The burning ban will take effect at 5 p.m., Monday, Nov. 21, and will be in effect until further notice.

Under North Carolina law, the ban prohibits all open burning in the affected counties, regardless of whether a permit was issued. The issuance of any new permits also has been suspended until the ban is lifted. Violation of the ban carries a $100 fine plus court costs of $180.

The ban on open burning is necessary because of the dry weather conditions and the potential for the increase in human-caused wildfires in the region. As of Nov. 20, there have been 3,021 wildfires affecting more than 19,058 acres on state protected lands across North Carolina this year. In the mountains alone, there have been 1,203 fires that have burned 4,015 acres.

Those numbers do not include fires burning on federal lands, the Party Rock fire near Lake Lure and the Chestnut Knob fire. The Party Rock fire has burned 7,171 acres since it was first reported on Nov. 5. The Chestnut Knob fire, burning in the South Mountain State Park, has burned 6,433 acres since it was first reported on Nov. 6. These fires, combined with those on federal lands, have burned closed to 46,000 acres in Western N.C. State protected lands include state and private owned properties.

“Fire experts with the N.C. Forest Service feel the current drought situation and the increase in available forest fuels makes it necessary to increase the number of counties under the burn ban,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “We want to be proactive in our approach and take appropriate action to prevent the potential for human-caused wildfires.”

An open burn ban is now in place for the entire counties of Alexander, Alleghany, Anson, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Caswell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Gaston, Graham, Guilford, Haywood, Henderson, Iredell, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Montgomery, Polk, Randolph, Richmond, Rockingham, Rowan, Rutherford, Stanly, Stokes, Surry, Swain, Transylvania, Union, Watauga, Wilkes, Yadkin and Yancey.

Here are a few facts about the law regarding the ban on open burning:

• The burn ban does not apply to cooking fires such as grills or outdoor cookers.
• The ban does not apply to a fire within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. County fire marshals have jurisdiction over open burning within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. The N.C. Forest Service has advised county fire marshals of the burning ban and asked for their consideration of also implementing a burning ban. In addition, other local ordinances and air quality regulations may also impact open burning.
• If a fire within that 100-foot area escapes containment, a North Carolina forest ranger may take reasonable steps to extinguish or control it. The person responsible for setting the fire may be responsible for reimbursing the N.C. Forest Service for any expenses related to extinguishing it.
• Open burning includes burning leaves, branches and other plant material. In all cases, it is illegal to burn trash, lumber, tires, newspapers, plastics or other non-vegetative materials.
• Outdoor burning is also prohibited in areas covered by Code Orange or Code Red air quality forecasts.

Local fire departments and law enforcement officers are assisting the N.C. Forest Service in enforcing the burn ban.

Fire Prevention Education Team deployed to region

A U.S. Forest Service Fire Prevention Education Team is working in Western North Carolina in an effort to decrease the number of human-caused wildfires there. In addition to assisting with information on these wildfires, the team is working with communities, distributing information and working with the media to raise awareness about the current fire danger. In addition a joint information center has been established to help provide information to the media and the public. The JIC can be reached at 828-575-2352 or by email at ncjicinformation@gmail.com

You can also contact Brian R. Haines at 919-857-4828. Residents with questions regarding their specific county can contact their county ranger with the N.C. Forest Service or their county fire marshal’s office.

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Rumbling Bald Resort Area to Open at Noon Lake Lure State of Emergency Still in Effect
November 21, 2016

Because the threat from the Party Rock Fire has diminished, all evacuation and pre-evacuation notices for the Town of Lake Lure and surrounding neighborhoods are cancelled as of noon today. This includes those parts of the Rumbling Bald Resort that have been under a mandatory evacuation notice: Deerfield; Fairfield; Youngs Mountain; and Quail Ridge. The pre-evacuation notice for Three Creeks, Cedar Creek Road, Buffalo Creek Road, Riverbend Highlands, Tatanka, Apple Valley, Shumont Estates and Buffalo Shoals, is also cancelled as of noon today.

A state of emergency remains in effect for the town of Lake Lure. Fire and town officials caution everyone that the recently burned areas contain many hazards, including damaged and standing dead trees called snags, that can fall without warning at any time. There are also stump holes, some of which may still contain enough heat to cause serious burns to people and pets.

The Lake Town Hall is now open for normal business hours, but only through the front entrance, and using the front parking lot. The rest of the area around the municipal building is still being used as an incident command post and is closed to the public. The park also remains closed as it serves as fire base camp, with access restricted to incident personnel. Visitors to town hall should use caution because of the high volume of fire and emergency traffic. Party Rock Fire information can be found on INCIWEB or on the Town of Lake Lure website.

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Party Rock Fire Containment Lines Hold Overnight
November 20, 2016

Strong winds tested containment lines on the Party Rock Fire Saturday and through the night into Sunday morning, but fire managers report there was no fire growth outside those lines. Continued windy conditions and low humidity will keep fire fighters on their toes again today. “If we can hold it one more day, we should be in great shape” Incident Commander Dan Brandon told fire fighters during Sunday’s morning briefing. No new evacuation warnings have been issued but residents near the fire are asked to remain vigilant. Residents and business owners are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts through their county or local government websites.

The size of the fire remains at 7,171 acres, with containment holding at 36 percent. More than 900 structural and wildland firefighters are working day and night to protect homes and businesses.

Residents and business owners have been allowed back into the Chimney Rock Village and Bat Cave communities but passes are required. Contact the Party Rock Fire Information Office for details.

A stretch of Highway 64/74-A through Chimney Rock Village from Bat Cave to Lake Lure remains closed. Current road information can be accessed on the NCDOT Travel Information Management System website. Party Rock Fire information can be found on INCIWEB or on the Town of Lake Lure website.

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RE-ENTRY ANNOUNCEMENT FOR BUSINESS OWNERS AND RESIDENTS OF CHIMNEY ROCK VILLAGE
November 17, 2016

Chimney Rock Village re-entry for business owners and residents will occur this Saturday (11/19) at noon. Windshield passes will be required to enter the Village. The process to obtain these re-entry passes is being coordinated through the Fire Information Center. Once passes are obtained, those business owners and residents planning to re-enter can do so from either the north or south using Highway 74-A/64. Law enforcement checkpoints will be located at both ends of town to support re-entry. Chimney Rock Village will remain closed to visitors and through-traffic until further notice.

To obtain a re-entry pass or if re-entry questions arise, contact the Party Rock Fire Information Center at 828-513-2500 or 336-455-9641; or by email.

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Firefighters Continue Burnout Operations Overnight
November 17, 2016

The Party Rock Fire grew to 5,714 acres, but remained at 19 percent containment. Firefighters continue to secure containment lines and conduct burnout operations on the Party Rock Fire in advance of a strong cold weather front that will move through the area this weekend. Burnout operations were completed on the northern containment line along Rolling Ridge Road in Gray Rock. A helicopter capable of delivering large water drops supported the operation to ensure the burnout did not cross containment lines. The dozer containment line installed on the easternmost side was used to support burnout operations that occurred overnight. The northern half of the eastern containment line was successfully burned out, and today’s operations will continue. Farther to the south, hand lines are being established and improved between the active fire perimeter and the communities of Rumbling Bald Resort. Farther to the north of the Gray Rock containment line, residents in the neighborhoods of Camp Elliot, Ditney Knob, Sally Gap, Three Creeks and Earth Haven will see more smoke as burnout operations continue. The established containment is in place to protect these communities; however, residents located to the north of the fire should monitor information about the fire during the forecasted wind event.

A stretch of Highway 74-A leading into Chimney Rock Village from the north and south remains closed. Highway 9 was closed yesterday from the intersection at Highway 74-A in Bat Cave north to Shumont Road. Road information can be accessed on the NCDOT Travel Information Management System website. Rock Fire information can be found on INCIWEB or on the Town of Lake Lure website.

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Party Rock Fire Evacuation and Fire Update
November 16, 2016

Containment of the Party Rock Fire has increased to 19 percent and is 4,480 acres in size. Firefighters are continuing to protect structures and construct containment lines around the fire. Fire managers are preparing for strong winds later this week that could increase the size of the fire.

Henderson County emergency management and law enforcement officials will implement an evacuation of Highway 9 between the intersections of Highway 74-A and Shumont Road beginning at noon today (November 16). The evacuation notice will include all roads that connect to Highway 9. Evacuations should be completed by 5:00 p.m. Evacuated residents can shelter at Grace Lutheran Church, 1245 6th Avenue West in Hendersonville.

Yesterday the residents of the evacuated neighborhoods in the Boys Camp Road area were allowed to begin returning to their homes. To enter, residents must show proof of residence at the checkpoint by Boys Camp Road. Travel to this re-entry checkpoint must occur from the Lake Lure (south) side of Highway 74-A/64, and not from the Bat Cave (north) side of these roads; the Village of Chimney Rock remains closed.

There is no change in the status of other previous evacuations.

A Community Meeting will be held at noon Wednesday, November 16 at the Rumbling Bald Resort’s Legends Restaurant. A public information officer from the Party Rock Fire will provide an overview of the current fire status, planned fire suppression operations, and anticipated fire behavior with the predicted strong winds later this week. The meeting is for all interested area residents.

A stretch of Highway 74-A leading into Chimney Rock Village from the north and south remains closed. Road information can be accessed on the NCDOT Travel Information Management System website.

Party Rock Fire information can be found on INCIWEB or on the Town of Lake Lure Facebook page. Air Quality alerts can be obtained from the NWS

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Party Rock Fire Community Meeting and Donation Drop Points
November 15, 2016

A community meeting over lunch will be held at noon on Wednesday at the Legends Restaurant at Rumbling Bald Resort. The meeting is for all interested area residents. A public information officer will provide an overview of current fire status, planned fire suppression operations, and anticipated fire behavior with the predicted late week wind event. There will be a question and answer period at the end of the presentation.

There has been an outpouring of community support in the form of drink, food and other donations for firefighters and residents impacted by the incident. The local fire departments of Henderson and Rutherford Counties are now serving as drop points for these donations. Once received at these drop points, fire department staff will connect donated supplies to those needing the supplies.

For more information on the community meeting and donations of supplies, please contact the Party Rock Fire Information Center at 828-513-2500 or 336-455-9641or partyrockfireinfo@gmail.com.

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Henderson County Announces Additional Evacuation Near Fire
November 15, 2016

Henderson County emergency management officials and law enforcement will implement an evacuation of Highway 9 between the intersections of Highway 74-A and Shumont Road at noon on Wednesday, November 16th. The evacuation notice will include all roads that connect to Highway 9. Evacuations should be completed by 5:00 p.m. the same day. If you cannot evacuate your home due to special needs or disability, please call 911.

Residents can shelter at Grace Lutheran Church, 1245 6th Avenue West, Hendersonville. The Red Cross is operating this shelter; the shelter phone number is 828-693-5605.

For more information on this evacuation, please contact the Party Rock Fire Information Center at 828-513-2500 or 336-455-9641or partyrockfireinfo@gmail.com.

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RE-ENTRY ANNOUNCEMENT FOR NEIGHBORHOODS ACCESSIBLE FROM BOYS CAMP ROAD, LAKE LURE
November 15, 2016

The neighborhoods in Boys Camp Road will be opened for re-entry to residents starting today (11/15) at noon. Those wishing to re-enter those neighborhoods will need to show proof of residence at a law enforcement checkpoint located at or near the intersection of Highway 74-A/64 and Boys Camp Road. Travel to this re-entry checkpoint must occur from the Lake Lure (south) side of Highway 74-A/64, and not from the Bat Cave (north) side of these highways, as the Village of Chimney Rock remains closed. Further, those re-entering Boys Camp Road neighborhoods are not permitted to access the Village of Chimney Rock.

Questions on this re-entry should be directed to the Party Rock Lake Fire Information Center at 828-513-2500 or 336-455-9641; or by email at partyrockfireinfo@gmail.com.

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Weekend Weather Conditions Expected to Increase Fire Behavior
November 15, 2016

The Party Rock Fire is now 3,744 acres in size and remains at 15 percent containment. The weather has not been conducive for large fire growth the past couple days, but those conditions will change later this week. The passage of a strong cold front this Saturday will bring little to no moisture to the fire. The approaching front will bring strong gusty winds from the southwest starting on Thursday. This wind event has the potential to push the fire to the north and northeast toward Weed Patch Mountain and the Gray Rock community. Windy conditions could also move flames towards the evacuated communities of Rumbling Bald Resort. In addition to the wind component, temperatures are expected to warm into the low 70s and relative humidity levels will again drop below 30 percent. These weather conditions will support rapid fire growth. Fire managers are now planning for this fire growth potential by establishing contingency lines should primary containment lines not hold. In addition, they are working with the structure protection group to ensure fire department engines are strategically placed within communities in the fire’s projected path to protect homes.

A stretch of Highway 74-A leading into Chimney Rock Village from the north and south remains closed. Road information can be accessed on the NCDOT Travel Information Management System website.

Party Rock Fire information can be found on INCIWEB or on the Town of Lake Lure website.

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Party Rock Fire Continues to Advance
November 14, 2016

The Party Rock Fire is now 3,457 acres in size and containment is 15 percent. Recent calm weather has helped reduce the fire’s spread somewhat, though smoke continued to impact the area. The weather over the next few days will be mostly warmer and drier with light winds. These conditions, along with the ongoing drought and leaf fall, are likely to support more active fire behavior and spread. The Party Rock Fire continues to advance west of Round Top Mountain, adjacent to and west of Chimney Rock Village and to areas on the north side of the fire. These unusual weather conditions are resulting in the fire burning throughout the day and night. This differs from seasonal fires that burn mostly during warmer afternoon periods, and just smolder at night. This makes the fire more resistant to control.

Firefighters are successfully defending homes and structures as the fire creeps downhill into areas with properties at risk. Engines are staged at each home and hose lays are deployed and used to put out the fire as it nears property. This suppression strategy is used to completely combust all available fuel so reburn potential is minimized. These structure protection tactics will continue as long as necessary. No structures have been lost to date.

About 1,000 people continue to be affected by evacuations. Fire officials meet regularly with local emergency management services to review when people may be allowed back in and to assess if additional evacuation notices may be needed. There were no changes in the status of evacuations over the past 24 hours. A new evacuation shelter opened today at Grace Lutheran Church, 1245 6th Avenue West in Hendersonville; the shelter contact number is 828-693-4890. The Bat Cave shelter closed due to poor air quality. The Greenhill Baptist Church shelter has also closed.

For public and firefighter safety, travelers are encouraged to adjust speed for reduced visibility and firefighting equipment on the roads. Area residents with respiratory ailments or sensitivities should keep their doors and windows closed and operate their HVAC system to avoid breathing smoke-filled air. Air Quality alerts can be obtained from the NWS.

A stretch of Highway 74-A leading into Chimney Rock Village from the north and south remains closed. Road information can be accessed on the NCDOT Travel Information Management System website.

Party Rock Fire information can be found on INCIWEB or on the Town of Lake Lure website.

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Evacuations Being Implemented After Major Fire Runs Overnight
November 14, 2016

Lake Lure – Portions of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure communities are now under evacuation orders due to the Party Rock Fire. The evacuation was prompted by a major fire run up to and crossing the Shumont Mountain containment line this morning.

The level of evacuation varies as follows:

• There is a mandatory evacuation of Chimney Rock Village from the intersection of Boys Camp Road and Highway 74 to the Hickory Nut Falls Campground Bridge intersection with Highway 74.
• There is a mandatory evacuation for those residents and business owners located on Boys Camp Road, from the Highway 74 intersection to the Burnt Ridge Road intersection.
• There is a voluntary evacuation for residents and business owners located on South Side Drive from the Flowering Bridge west to the Hickory Nut Falls Campground Bridge intersection with Highway 74.
• There is a pre-evacuation notice for residents from Hickory Nut Falls Campground Bridge intersection with Highway 74 to the county line.
• Residents located from Burnt Ridge Road intersection and Boys Camp Road, to the end of Boys Camp Road will be allowed to remain in their homes, but must provide identification to gain home re-entry.

“We know this evacuation is a great inconvenience to our communities, but the importance to protect life is our highest priority”, noted both Mayors of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure.

Evacuees with special needs or disability are requested to call 911. Evacuee shelter information is as follows:

Party Rock Fire information can be found on INCIWEB or on the Town of Lake Lure website.

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Party Rock Fire Continues to Advance Downhill to Evacuated Communities
November 13, 2016

The Party Rock Fire remains at 2,883 acres in size; containment is 15 percent. The fire was again active on all perimeters except the east side. The western edge of the fire moved further downhill overnight off Round Top Mountain and was at the woods line in some areas of Chimney Rock Village. Structure protection firefighters had hose lays deployed and were waiting for the fire to reach the wood’s edge before extinguishing it with water. This suppression strategy is used to completely combust all available fuel so reburn potential is minimized. The same firefighting strategy was also in play for homes located on the northern side of Boys Camp Road. Engines were staged at each home and hose lays were deployed. To the northeast, Rumbling Bald Resort has seen a similar slow advance of the fire and structure protection was in place. No structures have been lost to date.

Area residents did wake up to ground level smoke this morning. With the cloud cover forecast to be in place all day, the ground-level smoke may not fully ventilate until later this afternoon; some residual smoke could last into the evening hours. Should moderate to dense ground smoke occur, travelers are encouraged to adjust speed for reduced visibility on the roads. Area residents with respiratory ailments or sensitivities should keep their doors and windows closed and operate their HVAC system to avoid breathing smoke-filled air. Air Quality alerts can be obtained from the NWS at http://www.weather.gov/gsp/.

A stretch of Highway 74-A leading into Chimney Rock Village from the north and south remains closed. More information on roads can be accessed via the NCDOT Travel Information Management System website at https://tims.ncdot.gov/tims/regionsummary.aspx.

Party Rock Fire information can be found on INCIWEB (http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/) or on the Town of Lake Lure website (http://www.townoflakelure.com/).

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Party Rock Fire Continues to Spread – Voluntary Evacuation Announced
November 12, 2016

Due to the fire’s continued growth to the northwest, Buncombe County is issuing an immediate voluntary evacuation for the communities located on Shumont Road, Bald Mountain Road, Old Apple Wagon Road, Little Mountain Road, Frog Pond Way, Bucks Walk, Deer Run, Fawns Rest, and Gates Drive. Buncombe County emergency managers are working on shelter arrangements at this time.

The Party Rock Fire continues to grow in size even though overnight temperatures cooled and the relative humidity increased to 80%. The fire remains active on the northern, western and southern perimeters. The fire was visible last night, burning around and down Round Top Mountain. The fire footprint is still 1,914 acres and containment remains at 15 percent.

There are many individuals and organizations wanting to make donations of food, bottled water and other supplies; however, fire managers are requesting those wanting to make donations withhold at this time until drop points can be identified and communicated to area residents impacted by the fire.

A stretch of Highway 74-A leading into Chimney Rock Village from the north and south remains closed earlier this afternoon. More information on roads can be accessed via the NCDOT Travel Information Management System website at https://tims.ncdot.gov/tims/regionsummary.aspx.

Party Rock Fire information can be found on INCIWEB (http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/) or on the Town of Lake Lure website (http://www.townoflakelure.com/).

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Evacuation Update for Communities of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
November 11, 2016

Rapid fire growth this morning has caused fire managers and town officials to revise the noon-announced evacuation for portions of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure communities as follows:

• There is a mandatory evacuation of Chimney Rock Village from the intersection of Boys Camp Road and Highway 74 to the Hickory Nut Falls Campground Bridge intersection with Highway 74.
• There is a mandatory evacuation for those residents and business owners located on Boys Camp Road, from the Highway 74 intersection to the end of Boys Camp Road.
• There is a mandatory evacuation for residents and business owners located on South Side Drive from the Flowering Bridge west to the Hickory Nut Falls Campground Bridge intersection with Highway 74.
• There is a mandatory evacuation for residents from Hickory Nut Falls Campground Bridge intersection with Highway 74 to the county line.

Evacuees with special needs or disability are requested to call 911. Evacuee shelter information is as follows:

Bills Creek Baptist Church
1475 Bills Creek Rd
Lake Lure, NC 28746
828-625-4956

Greenhill Baptist Church
1941 US 64-74A Hwy
Rutherfordton, NC 28139
828-287-2170

Party Rock Fire information can be found on INCIWEB (http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/) or on the Town of Lake Lure website (http://www.townoflakelure.com/).

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Party Rock Fire Evacuation Enacted
November 8, 2016

Party Rock Fire Evacuation Enacted

Under the jurisdiction of the Lake Lure Fire Department, in consultation with the NC Forest Service, the evacuation process has been initiated with limited evacuations in the Quail Ridge area and Huntington Road areas of Rumbling Bald Resort. Emergency personnel are now going to these areas door to door to evacuate residents. If contacted, please be ready to vacate your home immediately. This evacuation order will impact between 25-35 homes.

Affected Roads are:

Blue Bird Rd, Raptor Ct, Bold Rd, Bold Ct, Knob Ln, Bald Mtn Crescent, Glade Ct, Swallow Ln, Big Rock Ln, Cardinal Rd, Crow Rd, Ravenwoods Ct, Hummingbird Ct., Thrush Ct, Highlands Rd.

Temporary housing for evacuees will be arranged through Rumbling Bald Resort by calling 828.694.3046.

For more information, contact PIO Victoria Tillotson, NC Forest Service 919-500-8757 Victoria.Tillotson@ncagr.gov

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Burning ban issued for 25 mountain counties to protect lives and property
November 7, 2016

RALEIGH – Because of increased fire risk, the N.C. Forest Service has issued a ban on all open burning and canceled all burning permits for the following counties in Western North Carolina: Alexander, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga and Yancey.

The burning ban will take effect at 5 p.m., Monday, Nov. 7, and will be in effect until further notice.

Under North Carolina law, the ban prohibits all open burning in the affected counties, regardless of whether a permit was issued. The issuance of any new permits also has been suspended until the ban is lifted.

The ban on open burning is necessary because of the dry weather conditions and the potential for the increase in human-caused wildfires in the region. “Fire experts with the N.C. Forest Service feel that with the current drought situation and the number of fires burning on federal lands, it would be best to be proactive about preventing human-caused wildfires. And I agree with them,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler.

Violation of the ban carries a $100 fine plus court costs of $180.

Here are a few facts about the law regarding the ban on open burning:

• The burn ban does not apply to cooking fires such as grills or outdoor cookers.
• The ban does not apply to a fire within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. County fire marshals have jurisdiction over open burning within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. The N.C. Forest Service has advised county fire marshals of the burning ban and asked for their consideration of also implementing a burning ban. In addition, other local ordinances and air quality regulations may also impact open burning.
• If a fire within that 100-foot area escapes containment, a North Carolina forest ranger may take reasonable steps to extinguish or control it. The person responsible for setting the fire may be responsible for reimbursing the N.C. Forest Service for any expenses related to extinguishing it.
• Open burning includes burning leaves, branches and other plant material. In all cases, it is illegal to burn trash, lumber, tires, newspapers, plastics or other non-vegetative materials.
• Outdoor burning is also prohibited in areas covered by Code Orange or Code Red air quality forecasts.

Local fire departments and law enforcement officers are assisting the N.C. Forest Service in enforcing the burn ban.

As of Nov. 6, there had been 2,829 wildfires affecting more than 18,158 acres on state-protected lands across North Carolina this year. More than 1,000 of those fires were in the mountains and burned 3,375 acres. State-protected lands include state- and privately owned properties.

Fire Prevention Education Team deployed to region

In addition to putting the burn ban in place for the state’s most western counties, the N.C. Forest Service has also deployed a Fire Prevention Education Team to Western North Carolina in an effort to decrease the number of human-caused wildfires there. The team is expected to arrive this afternoon and work out of the Montreat Conference Center Assembly Hall, which is located east of Asheville.

In addition to assisting with the information delivery for wildfires occurring in the mountains of Western North Carolina, the team will also engage directly with communities, distribute information and work with the media to help raise public awareness about the current fire danger. For more information regarding the mission of the N.C. Fire Prevention Education Team, call 919-218-3179 or by email at ncfsregion3fpet@gmail.com.

Residents with questions regarding their specific county can contact their county ranger with the N.C. Forest Service or their county fire marshal’s office.

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Western N.C. drought continues to pose fire risk
November 2, 2016

ASHEVILLE – The N.C. Forest Service is joining forces with the U.S. Forest Service, the National Park Service, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs to warn people in Western North Carolina that the lack of rainfall in the area has increased the probability of wildfires.

The little rainfall last week did almost nothing to relieve moderate to extreme drought conditions in Western North Carolina.

Western North Carolina attracts a lot of tourists coming to see the changing leaves in autumn or for extended stays to hunt. Some of these visitors will camp or rent cabins, where they may have a fire that could escape into areas where fuels are readily available due to the drought.

Fire experts agree that this fall’s wildfire season has the potential to be bad, especially if there are heavy winds. Due to the high probability of a campfire escaping and causing a wildfire, the National Park Service has issued a halt to all campfires in the backcountry of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, as has the U.S. Forest Service in the backcountry of the lands they manage. Those building campfire in an established campground should use existing fire rings if possible and clear a safe area around them of at least 10 feet. Campers should also be sure to never leave campfires unattended, and ensure they are completely out before leaving.

As autumn progresses, many homeowners will be cleaning up their yards and burning debris such as sticks and leaves. “With nearly 40 percent of all wildfires in the state beginning with careless debris burning, and fuels being readily available, it’s important to be especially vigilant as dry grass and leaves in the neighboring woodlands can easily be ignited by an ember, putting you, your neighbors, the general public, and emergency responders at risk,” said Greg Yates, Mountain Regional Forester with the N.C. Forest Service.

There are many factors to consider before burning debris or lighting a campfire. Always check the weather prior to burning, and follow state and local regulations. Have an adequate safe distance from other flammable material, especially wooded areas and flammable material that may lead to houses. With all fires, be sure to tend to it until the debris pile or campfire is completely out.

“Everyone needs to be careful when burning; it’s not just campfires and burning yard debris that can cause a wildfire when it’s this dry,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “I’ve said it before but it bears repeating, all the sticks, leaves, logs and other vegetation in the forest are right there and ready to burn if ignited, and it won’t take much to get them going.”

Another concern is that with the cooling weather many people will be heating their homes with wood-burning stoves and fireplaces. Often, users will dispose of ashes in a wooded area. If these ashes aren’t completely extinguished, they could cause a wildfire. Always be sure ashes are dead out, and dispose of them in a metal container with a cover.

Landowners with electric fences should also be aware that dry, high grass, is susceptible to catching fire from even the smallest of sparks. A grass fire can quickly consume a barn or home and spread to wooded areas.

While less common, a spark from a passing train, a dragging trailer chain, or any spark caused by machine use, or even a lit cigarette, can ignite dry fuels such as grass and leaves.

Careless debris burning is the top cause of wildfires in North Carolina. The N.C. Forest Service encourages residents considering debris burning to contact their county forest ranger. The ranger can offer technical advice and explain the best options to help maximize the safety to people, property and the forest. To learn your county ranger’s number or more safe burning tips, visit the N.C. Forest Service website at ncforestservice.gov.

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Landowners encouraged to seek advice when assessing woodland damage from Hurricane Matthew
October 21, 2016

RALEIGH – The N.C. Forest Service encourages landowners and others to exercise caution when assessing possible damage to their woodlands from Hurricane Matthew. Landowners concerned about the health of their woodlands should seek advice from their county ranger or other forestry professionals.

“In addition to devastating crops, Hurricane Matthew also damaged woodlands in central and eastern North Carolina,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “This damage includes the uprooting, wounding, bending and breaking of trees. Standing water can cause additional tree stress and death. Landowners are encouraged to inspect their woodlands or have them looked at by a professional.”

"The N.C. Forest Service can help with this process, or landowners can hire a consulting forester", said David Lane, state forester.

“Woodlands that appear to have been severely damaged in a storm can often recover. We are encouraging landowners to be fully informed prior to making any significant decisions about their woodlands,” Lane said. “A professional can help you with determining if your woodlands need a plan for managing damaged timber.”

A management plan should be requested as soon as possible to assess the extent of any damage and mitigation measures, Lane said. A sketch map or aerial photograph of the affected area can also be helpful. The next step is to ground-check the damage to determine the need for salvaging the timber. Any salvage operation will depend on location, amount and type of damage, and management objectives.

Lane said it is important that landowners have a written contract before selling any of their salvage timber to protect their financial interests. A consulting forester can help with appraising the value of timber and the availability of markets.

Visit the N.C. Forest Service’s website and follow the links under “Managing Your Forest” to learn more about recovering from storms and fires. The website also contains contact information for county rangers, who can provide additional advice about woodland management.

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High fire danger continues in Western N.C.
October 20, 2016

RALEIGH – The N.C. Forest Service and the U.S. Forest Service want people in Western North Carolina to be careful with campfires and when burning yard debris because of continuing dry weather in the region. Twenty-three counties are in moderate to extreme drought.

“The fire danger in Western North Carolina is increasing each day due to a lack of rainfall over the past few months, and all the sticks, leaves, logs and other vegetation in the forest are readily available to burn if ignited,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “The expected rainfall this weekend will likely do very little to lessen the extremely dry forest fuels.”

Fall wildfire season typically lasts from mid-October until mid-December, the time of year when people do a lot of yard work that may include burning leaves and yard debris. These fires sometimes escape and start wildfires. Fireplace ash disposal and vegetation on electrical fences can also be problematic in the fall. Always be sure ashes are dead out, and always dispose of them in a metal container with a cover. As dry as it is in western North Carolina, smokers also need to be careful with cigarette disposal because even the smallest spark can start a wildfire.

U.S. Forest Service shieldTroxler also reminds people that when building a campfire, they should use existing fire rings if possible and clear a safe area around them of at least 10 feet. Campers should also be sure to never leave campfires unattended, and ensure they are completely out before leaving.

There are many factors to consider before burning debris or lighting a campfire. Always check the weather prior to burning, and follow state and local regulations. Have an adequate safe distance from other flammable material, especially wooded areas and flammable material that may lead to houses. With all fires, be sure to tend to it until the debris pile or campfire is completely out.

Careless debris burning is the top cause of wildfires in North Carolina. The N.C. Forest Service encourages residents considering debris burning to contact their local county forest ranger. The ranger can offer technical advice and explain the best options to help maximize the safety to people, property and the forest.

Tips for safe burning

The N.C. Forest Service urges people to follow these tips to protect property and prevent wildfires:

• 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 burning permit at any N.C. Forest Service office or authorized permitting agent, or online at http://ncforestservice.gov.
• 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 should be hauled away to a trash or recycling station. It is illegal to burn anything other than yard debris.
• 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 debris burning.
• Stay with your fire until it is completely out.
• These same tips hold true for campfires and barbeques as well. Douse burning charcoal briquettes or campfires thoroughly with water. When soaked, stir the coals and soak them again. Be sure they are out cold and carefully feel to be sure they are extinguished. Never dump hot ashes or coals into a wooded area.
• Burning agricultural residue and forestland litter: In addition to the rules above, a fire line should be plowed around the area to be burned. Large fields should be separated into small plots for burning one at a time. Before doing any burning in a wooded area, contact your county ranger, who will weigh all factors, explain them and offer technical advice.

Studies have shown that taking these and other measures can reduce the possibility of wildfires. For more information on ways you can prevent wildfires and loss of property, log onto http://ncforestservice.gov.

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Voluntary Program Helps Some Duplin/Pender Forest Landowners
September 15, 2016

The N.C. Forest Service is partnering with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, Camp Lejeune and interested forest landowners on a pilot program, Forest Opportunities for Resource Conservation and Environmental Security (FORCES). A free seminar for landowners to learn more about the FORCES Program and working lands conservation is planned for Tuesday, September 20, 2016 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Pender County Extension Center. In addition to FORCES, topics will include forest management planning, estate planning, timber and wildlife management (registration is required, please see below).

FORCES is a voluntary program and an initiative of N.C. Sentinel Landscape, which is a federal, state and local partnership to protect North Carolina’s working farmland and forests, military training grounds, and natural resources and habitat in 33 eastern and Sandhills counties, including Pender and Duplin counties. The FORCES program is currently being offered in areas near Camp Lejeune in Pender and Duplin counties to provide, outreach, technical assistance, and recognition to landowners who are interested in managing their woodlands. Assistance is provided by state forest rangers, foresters, and biologists. Landowners can also be connected with other natural resource specialists who can address landowners’ needs and questions.

“Camp Lejeune has been very supportive of this partnership, since they view working forests as being a positive land use near their installation. They have contributed funding to cover the cost of forest management plan development for landowners within the FORCES Project Area.” said Phil Wallace, Working Lands Forester and FORCES Coordinator with the N.C. Forest Service.

The goal of FORCES is to reduce the conversion of woodlands to housing and other urbanized uses that negatively impact wildlife habitat, forest sustainability and military training missions. As private land near our military installations become more urbanized, it restricts the ability for our troops to train. This is due in part to population increases along flight routes restricting low altitude training as well as light pollution negatively impacting night time training operations taking place nearby.

One way to prevent or slow this conversion is to give landowners the tools and knowledge to effectively manage their property. Well managed private woodlands can provide the landowner with quality wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, and periodic income from timber harvests. Landowners who are engaged in the management their property and who are receiving the rewards provided by productive woodlands are less likely to convert the property into an incompatible land use than those who don’t take an active role.

Registration for this seminar is required. If you have forest property within the FORCES project area or would like to learn more about Working Lands Conservation, contact Kelley McCarter at (919) 515-9563 or register online.

To learn more about the FORCES Program and other Sentinel Landscape initiatives in North Carolina visit the website for sentinel landscapes

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Website aims to help cities reduce urban wood waste
August 19, 2016

RALEIGH – Across North Carolina, municipalities and arboriculture businesses are faced with the problem of what to do with urban trees that are removed due to age, pests, disease or damage. In fact, across the country, removal of urban trees produces an estimated 200 million cubic yards of wood residue annually, typically costing municipalities or businesses large sums to have that wood hauled to a waste facility.

The Southeast Urban Wood Exchange is attempting to address this problem. “This website encourages the highest and best use of the urban wood resource by connecting the producers of the urban wood, like arborists and municipalities, with local businesses or individuals who want that wood,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “This can add value and reduce the amount of wood entering the waste stream.”

The N.C. Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Program, in partnership with the N.C. Urban Forest Council, has relaunched the website, which was previously part of the Urban Hardwood Recovery Project. The site has been revamped to serve the Southeast.

“Urban wood is an underutilized resource and marketing opportunity, and we hope that providing a way for those who have wood to connect with those who want wood will provide a service that will benefit communities, businesses and residents,” said Nancy Stairs, Urban Forestry Program coordinator with the N.C. Forest Service.

The need for improving the visibility and accessibility of the urban wood market has been amplified by the rise in invasive insects and other threats to the health of municipal trees. Stairs said renewable wood resources help cities and towns avoid disposal costs and even generate revenue that can support pruning, replanting and other tree care activities.

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Updated fees for N.C. Forest Service woodland plans take effect
August 1, 2016

Some fees eliminated under new schedule

RALEIGH- – The N.C. Forest Service’s updated fee schedule for woodland management plans took effect Aug. 1. The updated fee structure allows certain types of woodland plans to be provided to landowners without a fee. These supplementary plans typically address single forestry practices, such as tree planting, thinning and prescribed burning on individual stands of trees.

Fees for comprehensive forest management and forest stewardship plans will have a flat charge of $5 per acre. Such plans are more detailed and often qualify the landowner for the state’s Forestry Present Use Valuation Program. Property tax savings from one year of participating in the PUV program can often offset the fee for the plan. Fees associated with woodland plan preparation may also be a deductible expense for tax purposes.

Under the previous fee schedule, the per acre fee was coupled with a $45 base fee per land parcel. The base fee has been eliminated.

“Ultimately, our goal is to provide the best service for landowners that we can, and these updated fees for woodland plans will be a lot easier for landowners to manage,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “We think more landowners will take advantage of the financial and environmental benefits a woodland plan provides.”

“Ultimately, our goal is to provide the best service for landowners that we can, and these updated fees for woodland plans will be a lot easier for landowners to manage,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “We think more landowners will take advantage of the financial and environmental benefits a woodland plan provides.”

About Woodland Plans

Woodland plans provide detailed forestry recommendations, but they can also advise landowners on wildlife habitat, soil and water protection, recreation opportunities, and insect and disease concerns. In addition, they can help qualify landowners for forestry recognition and certification programs.

Landowners interested in state or federal cost-share programs typically need an approved woodland plan. Participation in many of these programs results in a cost savings of 40 percent or more. Cost-share payments help to reduce the initial capital investment needed for many forestry projects, which leads to higher overall financial returns to the forestland owner.

Landowners interested in forestry advice and a woodland plan should contact their county ranger for details. Landowners also can call the N.C. Forest Service’s central office at 919-857-4801 for assistance.

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Proper treatment may save your ash trees
Several options available for controlling emerald ash borer
July 20, 2016

RALEIGH – Emerald ash borers are preying on ash trees in at least 22 counties in North Carolina. Homeowners worried that the metallic green beetles may be in their backyard have several treatment options available, according to the N.C. Forest Service.

There are chemicals that can prevent infestation altogether or save trees already infested with the beetle, said Kelly Oten, forest health monitoring coordinator with the N.C. Forest Service. Because treatments can be costly and must be reapplied, homeowners should target trees that are aesthetically valuable and important to the landscape, healthy or still bearing more than half of their leaves, and showing few or no external signs of EAB. To protect trees from infestation, pesticide applications should begin when EAB is within 15 miles, Oten said.

One option for homeowners is a do-it-yourself route that involves pouring a chemical around the base of the tree, which then takes up the chemical and distributes it throughout its trunk and branches. This product is commercially available and contains the active ingredient imidacloprid or dinotefuran. It is most effective when applied in the spring, and must be used according to the label. This is probably the least-expensive option for homeowners but may not be as effective as other options, and may have application restrictions because of its potential to harm pollinators if applied incorrectly. These products are most successful on trees less than 20 inches in diameter.

For ash trees that are large, already infested with EAB, or if losing the tree isn’t an option, consider a trunk injection treatment administered by a professional tree service. This involves directly injecting chemical into the tree, where it is then disbursed throughout the trunk and branches. The professional product contains emamectin benzoate and has a wider window of time that it can be used. This option is likely to be more expensive, but it provides greater effectiveness in controlling or preventing EAB.

For any chemical treatment, reapplication is necessary, and the time between treatments varies based on the chemical used. Much like good personal health care, proper tree maintenance and avoidance of drought, damage and other stressors are also recommended.

“It’s important to note that if the treatment costs are more than the tree is worth, most people will walk away, only to later realize the tree will cost just as much or more to remove in some cases,” said Rob Trickel, head of the N.C. Forest Service’s Forest Health Branch.

Signs of infestation not noticeable right away

Oten said the signs and symptoms of EAB infestation aren’t usually noticed right away. An adult EAB lays eggs on the bark of ash trees. When the eggs hatch, the larvae bore into the bark and feed on the tree’s tissues. This disrupts the movement of nutrients and water within the tree, girdling it and causing its slow demise. The signs and symptoms of EAB include: 1/8-inch D-shaped holes where adult beetles emerged from the tree’s thinning and dying crowns; heavy woodpecker activity that causes the tree to look like it is losing patches of bark; small, winding galleries beneath the bark; and epicormic sprouting, or sprouting from the main stem of the tree. Host plants include all native ash trees as well as white fringetree

EAB is a non-native invasive insect from Asia that has been found in Buncombe, Catawba, Davidson, Durham, Forsyth, Franklin, Graham, Granville, Guilford, Iredell, Johnston, Lincoln, Madison, Orange, Person, Swain, Vance, Wake, Wayne, Wilson, Warren and Yancey counties. The entire state of North Carolina is under quarantine for EAB, meaning that all ash plant material, the insect itself, ash nursery stock and all hardwood firewood cannot move into non-quarantined areas, such as South Carolina or central Tennessee.

For information about EAB and how to control it, visit http://ncforestservice.gov and follow the links under the “Forest Health” section. To view current federal EAB quarantines, visit the national EAB website, www.emeraldashborer.info.

The N.C. Forest Service continues to monitor the spread of this pest. People who suspect or find an EAB-infested tree in a new area should contact the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at 1-800-206-9333 or newpest@ncagr.gov.

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Arson second-leading cause of N.C. wildfires in past 10 years
May 2, 2016

RALEIGH – Arson is the second-leading cause of wildfires in North Carolina over the past 10 years, the N.C. Forest Service says. From 2005 through 2014, North Carolina had 45,609 wildfires, of which 8,461, or 19 percent, were intentionally started. Arson trails only careless debris burning among the causes of wildland fires in the state.

And with North Carolina ranking No. 1 nationally in the amount of land that falls within wildland urban interface zones, the risk to homes and other buildings is high. These zones are areas where buildings and other human development meet or intermingle with undeveloped wildland, forest or vegetation.

“Because of the proximity of development to wildlands, the Forest Service estimates that as much as 41 percent of homes in the state are at risk from wildfires,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “When you combine that fact with the crime of arson, it highlights the need to set up fire-adapted communities to protect vulnerable areas.” To learn more about becoming a fire-adapted community, or ways you can protect your home from a wildfire, visit the N.C. Firewise program or contact your local N.C. Forest Service county ranger. Contact information and other fire prevention tips are available at ncforestservice.gov.

The arson statistics are particularly pertinent now because it’s Arson Awareness Week. The Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Fire Administration and its partners are using May 1-7 to focus attention on wildfire arson, particularly in the wildland urban interface. The National Association of State Foresters says more than 72,000 U.S. communities are now at risk from wildfire within the wildland urban interface.

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N.C. Forest Service battling multiple wildfires across state
April 21, 2016

RALEIGH – The N.C. Forest Service is battling several wildfires across the state, and residents are being asked to be careful when using open flames while dry conditions persist.

“A lot of personnel and equipment – including aircraft and fire dozers – have been moved to fight these blazes,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “The N.C. Forest Service will continue to battle these fires until they are contained and fire personnel are confident that they no longer pose a threat to people and property.”

Whipping Creek Fire, Hyde County

The Whipping Creek Fire in Hyde County, on the Dare County line, began on private land and has grown to about 14,000 acres on public and private lands. It is 15 percent contained. Accurate mapping of the fire has been hindered by dense smoke obscuring the flame front.

The fire has caused local law enforcement to close about 30 miles of U.S. 264 between Stumpy Point and Engelhard. The road closure is due to the fire’s proximity, dense smoke, and burned-out utility poles and power lines causing safety concerns to travelers. Fire managers are working to contain the fire south of Jackson and Maple roads, west of U.S. 264 from Pains Bay north, north of 2nd Avenue, and east of Barge Canal.

The fire is currently affecting private lands, N.C. Wildlife Resource Commission gamelands, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Refuge lands, U.S. Air Force lands and property owned by The Nature Conservancy. There are currently 66 personnel fighting this wildfire, not including local and regional cooperators. In addition to personnel there are 14 Type 6 engines (pickup trucks with water tanks and pumps), 11 fire dozers, one helicopter, three single-engine air tankers (SEAT), one patrol plane, one lead plane and two water tenders. The N.C. Forest Service will be transitioning management of this fire to a Type 2 incident management team today.

To learn more about the Whipping Creek Fire, visit http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4691/.

Clemmons Road Fire, Brunswick County

The Clemmons Road Fire in Brunswick County is currently about 1,600 acres and is 70 percent contained. Battling this wildfire are 27 personnel, four Type 6 engines, eight fire dozers, one helicopter, three SEATs, one patrol plane and one lead plane. This fire is being managed by the N.C. Forest Service Whiteville District’s Type 3 incident management team.

State Line Fire, Cherokee National Forest

The State Line Fire, which started in the Cherokee National Forest on Saturday,is burning along the Tennessee and North Carolina state line. This fire is 1,068 acres, with the majority being on the Tennessee side of the state line, and is 60 percent contained. There is a Type 3 interagency incident management team battling this fire. The 83 personnel are working to contain the fire in the next day or so on the North Carolina side and to start sending personnel home. Work on this fire included four hand crews, three Type 6 Engines, one fire dozer and one helicopter.

For information on any of these fires, contact Brian R. Haines, public information officer with the N.C. Forest Service, at 919-857-4828.

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DuPont State Recreational Forest announces temporary trail closures starting in May to protect blue ghost fireflies
April 15, 2016

RALEIGH – DuPont State Recreational Forest will be closing several trails at the High Falls Access Area to prevent further impacts to blue ghost firefly populations. The closures will take place at night from mid-May through early June.

The temporary trail closures are in response to an overwhelming number of visitors during the 2015 blue ghost season, typically a three-week period in late spring. Forest officials observed a high level of habitat disturbance and disruption by the large nighttime crowds, which could have long-term impacts on local populations of fireflies. Forest officials ask that the public observe trail closure signs and stay out of closed areas.

“Our mission is to protect all forest resources, including the blue ghost habitat, so that everyone can continue to enjoy and benefit from these unique insects,” said Jason Guidry, forest supervisor. “The blue ghost fireflies are known to exist across the southern Appalachians. However, DuPont State Recreational Forest has become synonymous with the firefly through social media and news articles in recent years.”

Other public lands in neighboring counties are likely to offer nighttime viewing opportunities for the blue ghost firefly without the crowding, Guidry said. The Friends of DuPont Forest supports the trail closures and has suspended its annual guided tours of the insects.

“The FODF’s mission is to enhance the enjoyment of all that the forest has to offer while protecting its natural resources,” said Bev Parlier, the group’s president. “To support the N.C. Forest Service, the FODF has decided to temporarily suspend our guided tours of the blue ghost fireflies.” Information about the trail closures can be found at forest kiosks, at the DuPont State Recreational Forest Visitor Center and on the forest’s website.

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N.C. Forest Service finds laurel wilt disease in Onslow County

RALEIGH –The N.C. Forest Service has confirmed that laurel wilt, a devastating disease of redbay and other plants in the laurel family, has been identified in Onslow County in an area along N.C. Highway 50 just north of Holly Ridge.

The disease has been identified across the Southeast in portions of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. In North Carolina, it was first discovered in Bladen, Columbus, Pender and Sampson counties in 2011, Brunswick County in 2012, New Hanover County in 2013 and Duplin County in 2014.

In North Carolina, sassafras, pondberry, pondspice, swampbay and spicebush also are in the laurel family and could be affected by this disease.

Laurel wilt is introduced into the tree by the non-native redbay ambrosia beetle. The female beetle bores into the tree, carrying the fungus. Once the beetle is inside the tree, she makes tunnels and lays eggs. Fungal spores grow in these tunnels, blocking the movement of water from the tree roots and causing the tree to wilt and eventually die from lack of water. This fungus is extremely fast-acting, and trees typically die within a month of infection.

Symptoms of laurel wilt disease include drooping reddish or purplish foliage. Evidence of redbay ambrosia beetle attack may be found in the main stem; strings of chewed wood, called frass toothpicks, often can be seen sticking out of entry holes. Removal of tree bark reveals black streaking in the outer wood.

It is believed that redbay ambrosia beetle can travel about 20 miles per year naturally, but can spread more quickly when beetles are transported in wood, such as firewood, to new areas. Homeowners with dead redbay trees are encouraged to keep cut trees on their property. Dead trees should not be removed to a landfill or off site. Proper disposal of redbay includes leaving wood on site, cutting or chipping wood on site, or burning wood on site in compliance with local and state ordinances. In areas where burning is allowed, a permit can be obtained from the N.C. Forest Service through a local burn permit agent, a county ranger’s office or online at http://ncforestservice.gov/. Look for “Burn Permits” under the quick links section.

The redbay ambrosia beetle was first discovered in Georgia in 2002. It is believed the fungus associated with the beetle arrived in the U.S. along with the beetle in wooden crating material from Southeast Asia. The detection of laurel wilt in Onslow County was reported by N.C. Forest Service personnel and confirmed by N.C. State University’s Plant Disease and Insect Clinic.

To learn more about laurel wilt, go to http://ncforestservice.gov/ and follow the links under the Forest Health section, or call Kelly Oten, forest health monitoring coordinator with the N.C. Forest Service, at 919-553-6178, ext. 223.

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