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Rutherford County sets July public hearing on new fire‑prevention ordinance to tighten outdoor burning rules
Summary
The board gave first reading to an ordinance adopting the State Fire Prevention Code into county code, clarifying the fire marshal role and enabling county burn bans within 100 feet of residences; a public hearing is set for July 6, 2026.
County officials presented a proposed ordinance to add an article to chapter 6 of the Rutherford County Code covering the State Fire Prevention Code, a clarified fire‑marshal role, and new rules allowing the county to issue burn bans within 100 feet of residences.
The fire marshal described repeated illegal household burning and said adopting the state fire code would provide the county with civil citations and fines to deter repeat offenders. County legal counsel explained this first reading would be followed by a public hearing on July 6, 2026, at which the board may adopt the ordinance.
Commissioners discussed enforcement and penalties; the proposed ordinance scales fines and reserves the statutory maximum ($500) for habitual offenders. The county attorney said law enforcement would be empowered to assist the fire marshal with enforcement when necessary and that the ordinance primarily creates civil enforcement mechanisms rather than criminal penalties.
Several commissioners raised concern about debris left from Hurricane Helene and said the accumulation of downed trees and brush increases fire risk in dry, windy conditions, reinforcing the case for the new authority.
What’s next: The board set a public hearing for the ordinance at its regular July 6, 2026 meeting and may consider adoption thereafter.
