HICKORY — The City of Hickory Fire Marshal’s Office prohibited all open burning citywide effective 6 p.m. March 28, 2026, the city said the same day. The ban covers all of Hickory, including ground within 100 feet of any structure, and stands even if a burning permit was already issued. The Catawba County Fire Marshal’s Office issued the same prohibition countywide.
The city cited Section 307 of the 2018 North Carolina Fire Code and dry weather. The same day, the North Carolina Forest Service issued a broader ban that also stops open burning, cancels existing permits, and suspends new ones.
Open burning listed under the ban includes yard debris such as leaves, branches, and other vegetative matter, plus recreational fires, bonfires, and outdoor fireplaces. Cooking fires—gas, pellet, or charcoal grills, outdoor cookers, and smokers—are not covered. Burning trash, construction debris, tires, plastics, and paper products remains illegal at all times.
The ban stays until further notice. Enforcement is by local fire departments and law enforcement with the Hickory and Catawba County fire marshals and the Forest Service. Violations may bring fines and court costs.
Statewide details are on ncforestservice.gov under News. Questions go to the Hickory Fire Department Division of Fire & Life Safety at 828-323-7522.
The March 28 notice does not list a dollar fine, an end date, or how many burn permits were canceled.
Official release from City of Hickory, March 28, 2026. https://www.hickorync.gov/burn-ban-effect-hickory-and-catawba-county
