Due to increased fire risk, the North Carolina Forest Service has issued an immediate ban on all open burning and has canceled all burning permits statewide effective until further notice. Under North Carolina law, the ban prohibits all open burning in all counties, regardless of whether a permit was previously issued. The issuance of any new permits has also been suspended until the ban is lifted. Anyone violating the burn ban faces a $100 fine plus court costs. Any person responsible for setting a fire may be liable for any expenses related to extinguishing the fire. The NC Forest Service will continue to monitor conditions. Davidson residents with questions regarding specifics for Mecklenburg County can reach out to the Mecklenburg County Fire Marshal’s Office for more details.