Chatham County, NC
Home MenuChatham County News
The most recent news stories are available below. The stories can be sorted by Categories and/or Departments in the drop down menus. To view older news stories older than 60 days, select the Archived News hyperlink below.
For media inquires or public information, contact the Public Information Office.
Chatham County Residents Reminded Open Burning Ban Still in Effect Countywide
The ban includes any open burning, including within 100 feet of any residence or building and the municipal limits of Goldston, Pittsboro, and Siler City.
“The recent rainfall has provided some relief and has moderated fire danger enough for us to lift the ban on open burning in 81 counties,” said Steve Troxler, NC Agriculture Commissioner. “However, we’re still in the thick of spring wildfire season when conditions can change quickly and frequently. We still need rain to move us forward with drought recovery, improving soil moisture and water levels. If you’re in one of the 19 counties still under the state-issued burn ban, be patient and hold off on burning. We need more rain in your area to lift the ban.”
The ban includes any open burning, including within 100 feet of any residence or building and the municipal limits of Goldston, Pittsboro, and Siler City. All burning permits countywide are cancelled until further notice.
Chatham County Fire Marshal Billy Judson strongly recommends that only natural gas or propane cooking and recreational devices that do not use solid briquettes and have on/off controls be used during this time and strongly urges all county residents and property owners to be attentive to the conditions of their properties through proactive fire prevention measures. He also discourages the use of fire pits due to the risk of embers that may spark a fire. “We recognize that this decision may alter recreational plans, but the burn ban prioritizes public safety and the protection of property,” said Judson.
The Chatham County burn ban will remain in place until further notice, and the NC Forest Service will continue to monitor conditions. The public is asked to call 911 to report any wildfires or if they see any fire burning that is not in a gas or charcoal grill. Residents with questions about the burn ban may contact the Chatham County Fire Marshal's Office at 919-545-8342 or visit the NC Forest Service website: https://www.ncforestservice.gov. Information about preparing for and preventing wildfires, can be found at: www.preventwildfirenc.org.