N.C. Forest Service | NC Agriculture Forest Protection Statewide burn ban issued for North Carolina due to hazardous forest fire conditions 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. No new burning permits will be issued during the ban. Read News Release Financial Assistance Timber Loss Relief Program to begin accepting applications April 20 to assist landowners who lost timber during Hurricane Helene Learn More About Program Eligibility and How to Apply We are the Forest Service In the trenches: What it means to be a heavy equipment operator for the N.C. Forest Service This feature story details heavy equipment’s role within the N.C. Forest Service from the perspective of those who power up, dig in and plow. Read Feature Story Prepare for Wildfire. Prevent Wildfire. Do your part to prevent and prepare for wildfire. Follow recommended best practices for safe outdoor burning. Take the time to harden your home and create defensible space in the home ignition zone in as little time as a few days. Take Action. Do Your Part. Forest Protection Protecting North Carolina's Forestland The N.C. Forest Service protects more than 18 million acres of forestland in North Carolina from the threat of wildfire, insects and diseases. Forest Management Managing North Carolina's Forestland Unlike many forestry agencies, the same personnel who manage wildfires assist private landowners in sustainably managing their almost 14 million acres of forestland in the state, with the intent to keep working forests working. Start Managing Your Forest Education and Outreach Promoting North Carolina's Forest Resources The N.C. Forest Service promotes forest resources by focusing outreach efforts in several areas including public and landowner outreach as well as environmental education. Discover More about Education and Outreach Workforce and Career Opportunities Start Your Career with the N.C. Forest Service The N.C. Forest Service isn't just protecting forests. We're protecting futures. Learn how you can start making a difference in a career with the N.C. Forest Service. Explore Career Opportunities and Resources April 20, 2026 Timber Loss Relief Program - Program Overview April 20, 2026 Timber Loss Relief Program - Landowner Application Process March 28, 2026 Burn Ban in Effect March 28, 2026 Prohibido de quemar en efecto Open Burning Permits Wildfire / Emergency Response Situation Report N.C. Forest Service Wildfire Public Viewer Contacts State Forests About the Forest Service Newsroom Publications Education and Outreach Fire Control and Prevention Fire Environment Fire Weather Forest Action Plan Forest Health Managing Your Forest My Woodland Plan N.C. Firewise Prescribed Fire Rates for Products and Services Readiness Plans Tree Seedlings Urban and Community Forestry Water Quality Workforce and Career Opportunities