Fire Pit Rules

Guests are welcome to use the fire pit, but there are rules that must be followed to protect the property, the house, the guests, and the wildlife.

Welcome! We hope you enjoy our property, including the trails, the creek, and the fire pit.

Please help us protect the forest and keep everyone safe.

Check for burn bans or fire restrictions. If a burn ban is in effect, do not use the fire pit.

NC Forest Service Open Burning & Burn Ban Information (919) 857-4801
- The official source. If a burn ban is in effect, it will be posted here.
Polk County Fire Marshal (863) 519-7350

Do not use the fire pit if it is windy or unusually dry.
Scoop a bucket of water from the creek and keep it nearby before lighting the fire.

Only firewood and fire starters designed for fireplaces or campfires.
- Never use gasoline or kerosene to start a fire.
- Do NOT burn trash, cardboard, plastic, leaves or yard waste

Keep fires small - just large enough for warmth or roasting marshmallows and never let logs overhang the edges of the metal fire pit.
Never leave the fire unattended.
Never leave children near the fire without close adult supervision.
Do not move burning logs outside the fire pit.
If sparks are blowing from the fire pit or leaves around the pit begin to smolder, extinguish the entire fire immediately. Even after rain, mountain forests can become dry enough for a stray ember to start a wildfire.

Allow the wood to burn down to ash. This will require not building up the fire as the time to retire approaches. Plan ahead.
Pour water over the fire until all hissing stops.
Stir the ashes.
Add more water and stir again.
The ashes should be cool enough to touch before you leave.

If it is too hot to touch, it is not out.

Please leave the fire pit clean for the next guests.

Call 911 if the fire gets out of control. Evacuate to a safe area. Do not try to fight a forest fire alone.