The following information was provided by Union County Government.
Effective immediately, Union County Fire Marshal Jon Williams is enacting a local burn ban prohibiting all outdoor burning within 100 feet of an occupied home due to increased fire risk. The burning ban is authorized by the Union County Fire Marshal per the North Carolina Fire Code, Section 307, to prevent the potential for increased fires due to dry weather conditions in Union County. This measure aligns with the statewide burn ban implemented by the North Carolina Forest Service on March 21, 2025, which bans all outdoor burning more than 100 feet from an occupied home and suspends all burning permits until further notice.
The County burn ban applies to all areas of Union County. Typically, Monroe and Waxhaw have their own fire code enforcement; officials within those municipalities confirmed with the Fire Marshal's Office they will also implement a local burn ban.
What is Allowed:
- Use of gas or charcoal grills.
What is Prohibited:
- Burning in piles, barrels and other examples of open burning.
In all cases, it is illegal to burn trash, lumber, tires, newspapers, plastics, or other non-vegetative materials. Anyone in violation of the Union County burn ban may be issued civil penalties of up to $200 per occurrence, in addition to a potential fine from the state.
"Given the current dry conditions and increased fire danger, this local burn ban is necessary to protect our residents and emergency responders," said Fire Marshal Williams. "We urge everyone to follow these restrictions and take every precaution to prevent accidental fires."
The last time Union County implemented a local burn ban was in 2021. The current burn ban will remain in effect until the NC Forest Service lifts its statewide ban or when Williams determines there has been sufficient rainfall to reduce the fire risk and safely lift the local restrictions. Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution and follow all guidelines to prevent potential fire hazards.