North Carolina Facing Multiple Wildfires as Burn Ban Takes Effect

As spring returns to the state, we also, less warmly, see the return of wildfires.

As of April 1st, 2026, there are 7 wildfires currently burning across the state. The Cane Creek and Jumping Branch fires, both of which started on March 29th, have burned 650 acres and 275 acres, respectively.

Jumping Branch (McDowell County)

The North Carolina Forest Service stated that the fire was caused by improperly discarded smoking material. Hilary Brooke Inman, a 38-year-old resident of Marion, NC, has been charged.

According to the latest press release from the Forest Service on Tuesday, March 31st, the fire had reached 185 acres and was 20% contained as of Tuesday morning. The NC Forest Service Wildfire Public Viewer indicated this morning (April 1st) that the fire has expanded to 275 acres and is currently 30% contained.

Firefighters fighting the Jumping Branch fire in McDowell County, NC. Photo: Lisa Jennings; Source: US Forest Service - National Forests in North Carolina

Firefighters continued to work towards containment overnight. The Forest Service urges drivers to avoid NC-80 in the Buck Creek area until further notice.

Cane Creek Fire (Wilkes County)

The Cane Creek Fire in Wilkes County, as of the latest update on April 1st at 7:30 AM, is over 600 acres and now 70% contained.

We have not heard from any state or local agency as to how this fire started but will keep you updated as we learn more information.

Statewide Burn Ban

The North Carolina Forest Service has issued a statewide burn ban until further notice. In a press release the Service urged the public to "follow this burn ban to help reduce the risk for everyone".

Under North Carolina law, burn bans prohibits all open burning, regardless of whether a permit was received prior to the ban. In a statement, the Forest Service said in part: "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 full press release can be found here. Anyone with questions should reach out to their NC Forest Service county ranger or county fire marshal's office.