Fire Regulations in Winston-Salem, NC

If you live in Winston-Salem or are thinking about moving there, fire regulations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Winston-Salem has 5 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of fire regulations, and some of them might surprise you.

Fire Pits & Backyard Fires

Winston-Salem exempts outdoor cooking and recreational fires from its bonfire permit requirement only if they're confined to a fire pit or chiminea set at least 25 feet from any structure and capped at three feet high and two feet wide.

Key details: Max height: 3 feet. Max diameter: 2 feet. Setback from structures: At least 25 feet. Fuel allowed: Dry/seasoned wood only, no accelerants. Penalty: Up to $500 fine, class 3 misdemeanor.

Violating § 22-6, including exceeding the size or setback limits, is a class 3 misdemeanor under G.S. 14-4, punishable by a fine of up to $500.00.

Outdoor Burning

Winston-Salem requires a permit before kindling or maintaining any bonfire or rubbish fire on private or public ground, though small contained recreational fires are exempt from the permit rule.

Key details: Permit required: for any bonfire or rubbish fire. Exempt fires: outdoor cooking in approved container only. Distance rule: at least 25 feet from structures. Size limit: max 3 ft high, 2 ft diameter. Penalty: class 3 misdemeanor, up to $500.

Kindling or maintaining a bonfire, rubbish fire, or construction waste burn without a permit is a class 3 misdemeanor under G.S. 14-4, punishable by a fine up to $500.00.

This is one of the stricter rules in Winston-Salem's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Brush Clearance

Winston-Salem requires property owners to keep lots clear of accumulated brush, dead vegetation, and combustible debris that could spread fire. Enforcement is handled under the Code of Ordinances Chapter 46 (Nuisances) and the Fire Code.

Key details: Chapter: Winston-Salem Code Ch. 46. Clearance: 10 ft recommended around home. Notice: 7-14 days to abate. Abatement: City lien if not cleared. Guidance: NC Firewise program.

Failure to abate after notice: the city may abate and lien the property for costs plus administrative fees. Civil penalty typically $50 to $500 per day under Chapter 46.

Smoke Detectors

Winston-Salem enforces the NC State Building Code and NC Residential Code, which require working smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every level. Rental units must have working alarms at the start of each tenancy under NCGS 42-42.

Key details: Locations: Every bedroom + each level. New builds: Hardwired + interconnected. Rentals: NCGS 42-42 landlord duty. CO alarms: Required w/ fuel appliances. Free alarms: WSFD program available.

Landlord failure to provide alarms: rental registration issues and civil liability. Building code violations: stop-work orders and permit denial until corrected.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Winston-Salem actively enforces its smoke detectors requirements.

Fireworks

Only ground-based sparkling devices (sparklers, fountains, snakes, smoke items) are legal in Winston-Salem under NCGS 14-410. All aerial fireworks, firecrackers, Roman candles, bottle rockets, and mortars are illegal statewide and the city cannot authorize them.

Key details: Legal: Sparklers, fountains, snakes only. Illegal: All aerial + firecrackers. Statute: NCGS 14-410 to 14-415. Penalty: Class 2 misdemeanor. Preemption: City cannot expand allowed types.

Possession/use of illegal aerial fireworks: Class 2 misdemeanor. Sellers face Class 2 misdemeanor plus product seizure. Fires caused by fireworks: civil cost recovery from WSFD.

This is one of the stricter rules in Winston-Salem's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

The Bottom Line

Winston-Salem is tougher than many cities when it comes to fire regulations. Out of the 5 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Winston-Salem, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

All of the above reflects Winston-Salem's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.