Locke Township Fire Department

Since the state-issued ban on open burning was enacted March 28, a total of 554 wildfires has burned more than 2,200 acres across the state. With little rainfall or improvement expected over the next 7-10 days, the statewide burn ban and enforcement action will continue until further notice.

Of the 554 wildfires that have burned since the burn ban took effect, only four have been determined to be the result of lightning strikes. Preliminary data indicates that 152 of those 554 wildfires were determined to be human caused, with the remainder listed as unknown or undetermined, likely pending law enforcement investigation and action. Since the state’s burn ban took effect, 150 citations have been issued for illegal burning.

During a state-issued burn ban, the same N.C. Forest Service personnel providing initial and extended attack for wildfire response are providing the necessary enforcement action to support the ban on open burning. Reducing the number of new ignitions is critical for sustaining adequate resource availability for an extended period, making state-issued bans a necessary tool for keeping wildfires contained and as small as possible until fully extinguished.

The public is urged to abide by the burn ban and to use extreme caution with farm equipment, machines, mowers, vehicles on dry grass, smoking materials such as ci******es, anything that can throw a spark. In current high-risk conditions, these could be a possible fire source. While not classified as open burning and not affected by the state’s ban on open burning, they are still contributors to new fire starts across the state.

Read news release: https://www.ncagr.gov/news/press-releases/2026/04/14/statewide-burn-ban-and-enforcement-continue-dry-conditions-persist

🔥 A Quick Reminder from Your Rowan County Fire Marshal’s Office 🔥

Just a quick check-in to remind you that Rowan County is still under a burn ban.

This includes both the county burn ban and the North Carolina Forest Service ban, which means all outdoor burning is prohibited across the board.

We are continuing to see conditions where fires can spread quickly, and it doesn’t take much for something small to turn into a bigger incident.

👉 What this means for you:

* No burning of yard debris, trash, or natural vegetation
* No burn permits are valid at this time
*Be mindful of anything that could create sparks or open flames

This isn’t about stopping anyone from enjoying their property — it’s about protecting our community, your neighbors, and the responders who show up when things go wrong.

If you see outdoor burning, please report it so we can address it before it escalates.

We appreciate everyone doing their part to keep Rowan County safe.

— Rowan County Fire Marshal, N.C. Forest Service

Great Day of Truck Company Ops Training at Mount Mourne Fire Department today

Duke Energy is urging customers in the Carolinas to reduce energy use during periods of peak demand on Monday, Feb. 2, from 4-10 a.m., to help lessen the energy demand on the power grid and reduce the potential of isolated power outages.
🔗 news.duke-energy.com/releases/duke-energy-urges-carolinas-customers-to-reduce-energy-use

Hazardous Weather Update 1.31.26
Key Takeaways:
❄️ A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for all of NC Saturday where significant snowfall is possible through mid-day Sunday.

🌬️ Strong wind gusts will create hazardous driving conditions, dangerous wind chills, and locally significant coastal flooding throughout the event.

Stay tuned to local weather stations and heed warnings from local officials.

Full weather report: ReadyNC.gov/weather
Resources and tips: ReadyNC.gov/winterstorm2026

A thin layer of ice has formed on some of our ponds and lakes. While it may look solid, looks can be deceiving. Thin ice is deadly as it cannot support the weight of a person or a pet.

🚸 Talk to your children and make sure they understand that frozen bodies of water are off-limits.
🐶 Keep pets on a leash and avoid getting too close.

It only takes a second for a scenic walk to turn into a life-threatening emergency. Admire the view from the shore, but stay on solid ground.