Update: The burn ban for Burke County still is in effect as of March 5, despite overnight and morning rains.Â
Dry conditions and no shortage of brush have led officials to issue burn bans throughout western North Carolina, including in Burke and McDowell counties.Â
Burke and McDowell counties both issued burn bans Sunday. The bans prohibit any burning within 100 feet of a structure, including yard waste, debris and land-clearing burns. Â
The Burke County ban includes cooking fires with grills and smokers.
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No bans affect any burns that have been NC Forest Service permitted, controlled and attended fires.
In Burke County and the city of Morganton, people who violate the burn ban will be issued a $100 citation for the first offense. The citation doubles per citation.Â
The National Weather Service has issued a fire danger statement through Monday.
Monday is expected to be dry, with low humidity. Light winds are expected, but dry vegetation, cool temperatures and dry winds causes increased wildfire danger throughout western North Carolina, northeast Georgia and Upstate South Carolina, the National Weather Service said.
Relief from the dry weather won't come until Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday when a cold front moves into the area. It could produce widespread showers, and thunderstorms are possible, according to the National Weather Service's hazardous weather outlook.Â
Some storms could become severe, producing straight-line winds and hail. A few brief tornadoes can't be ruled out, the National Weather Service said.Â
Chrissy Murphy is a staff writer and can be reached at cmurphy@morganton.com or at 828-432-8941.
