09/03/2026
🔥 Wildfire Season Is Closer to Home Than You Might Think
When most people hear the word wildfire, they picture somewhere out West.
But here in Manns Harbor, we live right alongside thousands of acres of woods, marsh, pocosin and other natural vegetation. When that vegetation dries out, especially during stretches of low humidity and windy weather, a fire that starts small can become a much bigger problem very quickly.
The USDA Forest Service’s Wildfire Risk to Communities tool places Dare County in the “very high” category for wildfire risk to homes, higher than 94% of counties nationwide.
That doesn’t mean a wildfire is threatening our community today. It does mean that living where we do comes with a responsibility to be a little more fire aware.
One of the biggest things we can control is how we use fire outdoors.
Before burning leaves, limbs or other allowable vegetation:
🔥 Check current fire conditions and any burn bans or restrictions.
🔥 Make sure you have a burn permit when one is required.
🔥 Skip burning altogether when it’s dry or windy.
🔥 Have a hose or other water source, rake and shovel ready before lighting the fire.
🔥 Stay with the fire until it is completely extinguished.
🔥 Remember: if the ashes are still warm, the fire isn’t completely out.
And please don’t burn household trash. In addition to creating unhealthy smoke, burning many man-made materials is prohibited in North Carolina.
You can also make a big difference without ever lighting a match.
🏠 Clear leaves, pine straw and other debris from your roof, gutters, porch and around the house.
🌲 Trim back vegetation and keep combustible materials away from your home, propane tank and other structures.
🪵 Move firewood, fuel cans and similar materials away from the house when possible.
🚒 Take a look at your driveway from our perspective. Could a fire engine get down it? Could we turn around? Are limbs or parked vehicles blocking access?
🔢 Make sure your house number can be easily seen from the road, day or night.
And spend a few minutes talking with your family about what you would do if you ever had to leave quickly. Know where you would go, how you would get there, and what you would need to take with you. Remember medications, pets and family members who may need some extra help.
If you see smoke or fire where it shouldn't be, call 911 early.
An unattended fire, flames beginning to move into nearby vegetation, or a column of smoke appearing where you wouldn't normally expect one is worth reporting. Early notification gives firefighters a much better opportunity to contain a fire while it is still small.
We’re fortunate to live in a beautiful part of Dare County. The same woods and open land that make Manns Harbor home also mean wildfire is something our community should take seriously.
Take 10 minutes this week and walk around your property with wildfire in mind. A little work now could make a tremendous difference later.
Learn more about our local wildfire risk:
https://apps.wildfirerisk.org/explore/overview/37/37055/3700040980/
Burn permits and current information:
https://www.ncforestservice.gov/
Please share this with a neighbor or family member and be on the lookout for ways you can help our community stay prepared!
