/ North Carolina drought conditions as of May 18, 2021.
As the Cape Fear region continues to see moderate drought conditions, county officials have issued burn bans and water conservation alerts. In addition, the North Carolina Forest Service has issued a ban on all open burning and has canceled all burning permits for 26 counties, including New Hanover, Pender, and Brunswick.
The N.C. Forest Service s burning ban goes into effect today, May 24, 2021. It will remain in effect until further notice.
“Our state is getting drier and hotter, and wildfires like those conditions,” says Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler.
“These conditions coming during spring wildfire season when wildfire activity and fire risks are already elevated, make this burn ban necessary to protect life and property in North Carolina.”
Tri-county officials urge water conservation and fire prevention practices amid moderate drought portcitydaily.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from portcitydaily.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Pender County has named Tommy Batson as its emergency management director, according to a news release.
Batson, a Pender County native, started his public service career more than 24 years ago as a volunteer firefighter, officials said in the release. He started his role as emergency management director on March 28.
“As I take over as Director for Pender County Emergency Management, I plan to maintain and improve the capability of the department in successfully working relationships to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate from all-hazards related emergencies and disasters,” Batson said in the release.
He most recently has served as the county’s fire marshal and assistant emergency management director. Batson started his career with Pender County as a part-time telecommunicator in its 911 center.
Pender County promotes assistant emergency management director to top spot wect.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from wect.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.