Leland leaders review open‑burning ban after large land‑clearing blazes; residents urge stronger enforcement

The Leland Town Council held a special workshop on open burning on Nov. 11, 2025, where fire, forestry and state air‑quality officials briefed council members on current rules, residents described health and safety harms from recent land‑clearing burns, and the town attorney outlined how the town could seek Environmental Management Commission (EMC) certification to strengthen local enforcement.

At the outset the council approved the meeting agenda by vote. Leland Fire Chief Ronnie Hayes summarized the state’s open‑burning rules for land‑clearing burns, including the burn‑day forecast (green and yellow days allow burns; orange, red and purple prohibit them), setbacks and timing rules. Hayes said land‑clearing burns may be started between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. and no additional combustible material may be added after 6:00 p.m.; permitting thresholds require Forestry involvement for burns larger than 5 acres. Hayes recommended that whatever rules the town adopts be housed in its fire prevention and protection ordinance so enforcement and expectations are…