HICKORY, N.C. (WHKY) — The North Carolina Forest Service is urging residents to use extra caution with outdoor burning as the state enters its fall wildfire season.

Wildfire activity in North Carolina typically increases from October through early December as falling leaves, dry vegetation and changing weather conditions make it easier for fires to spread.

According to the Forest Service, human activity is responsible for more than 99 percent of wildfires in North Carolina. Careless debris burning is the state’s leading cause of wildfires.

The agency says residents should check for burn bans or other fire restrictions before burning and avoid burning on dry or windy days. Anyone required to have a burning permit should make sure the permit is valid before starting a fire.

The Forest Service also recommends clearing leaves, pine needles and other flammable material from around a burn area, keeping fires small and having water, tools and a cellphone nearby. Only natural vegetation can legally be burned.

Officials warn residents never to leave a fire unattended. Campfires, charcoal and burn piles should be completely extinguished by soaking and stirring the embers until they are cold to the touch.

The warning is particularly important in western North Carolina, where Hurricane Helene left large amounts of storm-damaged timber and other potential wildfire fuel on the ground. The Forest Service says more than 800,000 acres of downed timber were left across western North Carolina following the storm.

Wildfires can also be sparked by machinery and equipment. The Forest Service recommends securing trailer chains so they cannot drag on pavement and create sparks and properly disposing of cigarettes, matches and other flammable materials.

Recent Forest Service data also shows wildfire activity is already occurring across the state. Preliminary reports for September 21 showed 11 wildfires burning 37.2 acres on private and state-owned land. Through that date, the state had recorded 5,977 wildfires burning more than 16,600 acres in 2026.

Residents who are unsure whether it is safe or legal to burn are encouraged to contact their local N.C. Forest Service county ranger’s office.