Single Publication

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 CFR §§ 261.50 (a) and (b), for the protection of public health and safety, the following acts are prohibited on all lands administered by the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forest. This closure is effective from November 7, 2023, through December 31, 2023, or until rescinded by an authorized Forest Service official, whichever occurs first. 

1.    Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire outside of developed recreation sites. 36 CFR § 261.52 (a).
2.    Possessing, discharging, or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device. 36 CFR § 261.52 (f).
3.    Violating North Carolina state law (NCGS 106-944 & 106-946) concerning burning, or any fire, for the purpose of preventing or restricting the spread of fires. 36 CFR § 261.52(k).

Pursuant to 36 CFR, § 261.50 ( e ), the following persons or areas are exempt from this Order: 

1.    Persons with a special use permit or contract specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act of omission, issued by the Forest Supervisor or District Ranger.
2.    Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
3.    The use of commercially available fuel stoves (portable gas camp stoves or grills) forest wide.
4.    Fire or campfire in a Forest Service provided metal fire pit, metal fire ring, or pole mounted grill at a developed recreation area or campground with a camp host (Balsam Lake Lodge, Curtis Creek Campground, Davidson River Campground, Kimsey Creek Group Camp, Lake Powhatan Campground, North Mills River Campground, Sunburst Campground, Standing Indian Campground, Wolf Ford Horsecamp).