Outdoor Burning: Apex vs Cary

Is open burning allowed in Apex, NC?

Very limited. Under 15A NCAC 02D .1900 (NC DEQ Open Burning Rule), most outdoor burning is prohibited and yard-waste burning is barred wherever regular curbside pickup is provided (which covers all of Apex). Inside Apex town limits, the only routine open-flame recreation allowed under Chapter 9 of the Apex Code is the Sec. 9-47 patio wood-burning unit (20 ft from any structure, noncombustible surface, clean wood only) and the Sec. 9-48 campfire (25 ft setbacks, max 4 sq ft, brick-ringed at least two tiers high). NCFS burn permits are not valid inside Apex - only in unincorporated Wake County.

Can I burn leaves in the fall in Apex?

No. The Apex Fire Department directs residents to place leaves and yard waste curbside for Town pickup. 15A NCAC 02D .1900 prohibits residential yard-waste burning in any area where regular trash and yard-waste pickup is provided. Even where state law allows leaf burning, it would still need a NC Forest Service permit and is limited to 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. - and NCFS permits are not valid inside the corporate limits of Apex.

What about cooking fires and warming fires in Apex?

Outdoor cooking fires (grills, fire-pit cooking) and fires for warmth in safe outdoor heating devices are categories that 15A NCAC 02D .1900 generally allows, but inside Apex they must still comply with Chapter 9 of the Apex Code - specifically Sec. 9-47 (patio wood-burning unit standards) and Sec. 9-48 (campfire standards) and the NC Fire Prevention Code grilling rules (e.g., Sec. 504.8 requires grills be kept 10 ft from combustibles for non-1- and 2-family occupancies).

Can I burn yard waste in Cary, NC?

Yard waste burning is restricted in Cary. Check with the Cary Fire Department for current rules and whether burn bans are in effect.

Are campfires allowed in my backyard in Cary?

Yes, recreational fires in approved fire pits are allowed with safety conditions including setbacks from structures and compliance with burn ban advisories.