Mars Hill Volunteer Fire Department

04/11/2026

The state-wide burn ban remains in effect.

Due to dry conditions and lack of rainfall, the state-issued burn ban remains in effect statewide. Outdoor burning is prohibited but isn’t the only ignition source for wildfire, especially in high-risk conditions.

Farm equipment and machine use can also start wildfires. While working outdoors, be mindful of your equipment, and watch for sparks!

Check for and fix fire hazards before operating farm equipment or machines.
👉Remove any buildup of crop residue around the engine, exhaust system, belts and chains.
👉Repair damaged exhaust system components, worn or frayed drive belts, broken or exposed electrical wiring, worn or misaligned moving parts which can indicate a lack of lubricant, and signs of leaking fluids, oil and fuel.
👉For portable, gasoline-powered equipment, make sure you have a properly functioning spark arrester installed.

For prevention tips and risk reduction measures you can take, visit www.preventwildfirenc.org.

04/04/2026

The statewide burn ban is still in effect.

04/01/2026

Exciting news!
In an effort to increase our wildfire capabilities we have purchased a crawler tractor and hauler to respond to wildfire threats in our district and our neighboring departments.

03/28/2026

Due to increased wildfire risk, the N.C. Forest Service has issued a ban on all open burning and has canceled all burning permits statewide effective 6 p.m. Saturday, March 28 until further notice.

Under North Carolina law, the ban prohibits all open burning in the affected counties, regardless of whether a permit was previously issued. The issuance of any new permits has also been suspended until the ban is lifted. Anyone violating the burn ban faces a $100 fine plus $183 court costs. Any person responsible for setting a fire may be liable for any expenses related to extinguishing the fire.

The burn ban does not apply to fires started within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. The local fire marshal has authority to issue a burn ban within those 100 feet.

Read news release: https://www.ncagr.gov/news/press-releases/2026/03/28/statewide-burn-ban-issued-north-carolina-due-hazardous-forest-fire-conditions

03/27/2026

03/27/2026

.RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM TO 11 PM EDT SATURDAY FOR
WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR MOST OF THE MOUNTAINS AND
FOOTHILLS AND WESTERN PIEDMONT OF NORTH CAROLINA...

02/25/2026

It's happening today! Come by and see us at the main station at 56 North Main St.

11/18/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Bj81ideaC/

Fire danger is elevated statewide. Outdoor burning is NOT recommended. Most dry grasses, dead leaves and other vegetative debris could easily ignite and spread quickly.

Discard cigarette butts, matches and other flammable materials in appropriate containers. Use extreme caution when handling potential ignition sources such as machinery and farm equipment.

Before burning, contact your local N.C. Forest Service county ranger’s office for guidance. Contacts: https://bit.ly/3lpoWR0

For safe outdoor burning and wildfire prevention best practices: www.preventwildfirenc.org.

11/16/2025

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The National Weather Service has issued a **🚩RED FLAG WARNING🚩** for North Carolina counties.
👉Review weather alerts for North Carolina: https://bit.ly/40DsGTW

A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures will create dangerous fire behavior.

Fire danger is elevated across the state. While open burning is permitted during a red flag, it is NOT advised. Please postpone all outdoor burning.

Careless debris burning is the leading cause of wildfires in North Carolina, and you are our best defense against wildfire.
👉For wildfire readiness and prevention tips: preventwildfirenc.org

11/15/2025

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Wildfire activity is kicking up across the Southern region. In North Carolina, conditions this time of year can be favorable for wildfire. Conditions can also fluctuate quickly. Burning debris or dumping hot stoves ashes on the wrong day in the wrong place can be disastrous.

There are steps you can take to prepare for wildfire and to prevent wildfire.

🎯Monitor weather forecasts, conditions and outlooks available for your area.
👉The Southern Area Daily Outlook is a good one: https://gacc.nifc.gov/sacc/resources/predictive/sacc-daily-outlook.pdf.

🎯Learn more about the home ignition zone and how you can create defensible space around your home. Follow recommended best practices when using outdoor fire so you’re spreading prevention and not wildfire.
👉www.preventwildfirenc.org

If the warming and drying trend continues through late November and deeper dryness remains, there will be significant concern for wildfire potential and risk heading into 2026 spring wildfire season.