Before the start of the spring wildfire season, state officials are urging residents to use caution when burning debris.
Last year wildfires burned nearly 19,000 acres in North Carolina. And state officials say many of those fires could have been prevented.
In a press release, State Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said 99% of the fires the state responded to last year were caused by human activity. The wildfire threat increases in the spring, with more people doing yard work and burning debris.
He says it is possible to do this safely though. The N.C. Forest Service advises residents to avoid burning on dry, windy days or using a flammable liquid to ignite the fire. And officials say debris should always be contained in a screened receptacle away from branches and wires before it's burned.
They also advise North Carolinians to check local burning laws ahead of time — some counties may require a permit or only allow burns during specified hours, if at all.