Some Areas in North Carolina Can Now Have Fires

May 3, 2026, 13:41
USEnvironment

Introduction

The North Carolina Forest Service says people in 81 counties can start outdoor fires again because it rained.

Main Body

The new rules started on Sunday at 8:00 AM. Before this, the state stopped all fires on March 28 because the weather was dangerous. Now, the rain made the ground wet, so the risk of fire is lower. People in these 81 counties need new permits. Old permits from before March 28 are not good. People must have water and tools to stop fires. They must watch the fire at all times. However, 19 counties still have a ban. People in places like Wake and Guilford counties cannot have fires. They must wait for more rain. Steve Troxler says the state still needs more water to stop the drought.

Conclusion

People in 81 counties can have fires, but 19 counties must still wait.

Learning

⚡ The Power of 'Can' vs 'Cannot'

In this story, we see a simple way to talk about permission (what is allowed).

  • Can = Yes, it is okay. →\rightarrow "People... can start outdoor fires again."
  • Cannot = No, it is not okay. →\rightarrow "People... cannot have fires."

🛠️ Building Sentences

To reach A2, you can follow this easy pattern:

[Person] + [Can / Cannot] + [Action]

  1. I can read. (Allowed/Able)
  2. You cannot smoke here. (Not allowed)
  3. We can go home. (Allowed)

💡 Quick Tip: 'Still'

Notice the word still. We use it when a situation does not change.

  • "19 counties still have a ban." →\rightarrow (They had a ban before, and they have a ban now.)

Vocabulary Learning

people
human beings; members of a society
Example:People in the town gathered at the square.
fire
a burning event that produces heat and light
Example:We must be careful when we have a fire in the kitchen.
rain
water droplets that fall from clouds
Example:The rain stopped and the sun came out.
ground
the solid surface of the earth
Example:The ground was wet after the heavy rain.
risk
the possibility of danger or harm
Example:There is a high risk of flooding after the storm.
permit
an official permission to do something
Example:You need a permit to build a new shed in your yard.
water
a clear, colorless liquid essential for life
Example:Make sure you drink enough water every day.
tools
objects used to do work or make something
Example:He kept his tools organized in a toolbox.
stop
to bring an action to an end
Example:Please stop talking while the teacher is speaking.
watch
to look at something carefully
Example:She will watch the movie with her friends.
ban
an official prohibition against something
Example:The city issued a ban on smoking in public parks.
wait
to stay in one place until something happens
Example:We will wait for the train at the station.