Cabarrus Today

The City of Concord’s Fire Marshal has lifted the city-wide burn ban, effective immediately. According to reports, "The expiration of the city’s burn ban follows the N.C. Forest Service decision earlier today to lift its ban in Cabarrus County."

The state burn ban, which had been in place since November 29, prohibited open burning conducted more than 100 feet from a structure. The city's local burn ban, implemented on November 30, prohibited all open burning within 100 feet of a structure.

"Individuals with burn permits that were suspended during the burn ban have been directly notified and those permits are now valid."

The decision to lift the local ban came after the city consulted with state and county officials and considered recent rainfall throughout the area. It was mentioned that "Rainfall throughout the city last night and forecasted precipitation this weekend contributed to the decision to lift the ban."

While burning in approved containers is now allowed, residents are reminded by the Fire Marshal’s office that burning yard waste, construction waste, and dimensional lumber is still prohibited under existing city ordinance. It was emphasized that "Residents are also encouraged to keep the following safety tips in mind: Do not burn anything, even in approved containers, if it is windy; Have a garden hose or extinguisher close by when you have a fire in an approved container; Do not leave a fire unattended; Be at least 10 feet away from combustible construction when you are burning in an approved container."

For further information, individuals are advised to contact the Concord Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Division at (704) 920-5517.