Backyard Fires: Cary vs Raleigh
How do backyard fires rules compare between Cary, NC and Raleigh, NC?
Cary and Raleigh have similar restriction levels.
Cary, NC
Wake County
Backyard recreational fires in Wake County are governed by NC Fire Prevention Code §307.4.2 (adopted by Wake County Code Ch. 72): pile size capped at 3 ft diameter x 2 ft height, fuel limited to seasoned wood (not yard debris or trash), and the fire must be at least 25 feet from any combustible structure. No permit is required, but the Fire Code Official can order it extinguished for objectionable smoke or hazardous conditions (NCFC §307.3).
View full Cary rules →Raleigh, NC
Wake County
Raleigh allows small recreational backyard fires in approved containers - fire pits, chimineas, portable fire bowls - under NC Fire Code Section 307 as adopted by the city. Fires must generally be under 3 feet in diameter, at least 15 feet from structures and property lines, use only clean seasoned wood (no yard debris, trash, treated wood, or construction scraps), and be attended at all times by a responsible adult until fully extinguished. Open burning of leaves and yard debris generally requires an NC Forest Service permit and is banned entirely during active city or state burn bans.
View full Raleigh rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cary | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Max size | 3 ft dia x 2 ft high (NCFC 307.4.2) | - |
| Min distance | 25 ft from structure | - |
| Fuel | Seasoned wood only | - |
| Attendant required | Yes (NCFC 307.5) | - |
| Burn-ban override | All fires off | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Cary FAQ
Can I have a backyard fire after midnight?
There is no specific hour limit in NCFC §307, but Wake County's noise ordinance (§92.05(D)) still applies — sound or odor that disturbs neighbors during nighttime hours (11 p.m. - 7 a.m.) can trigger separate enforcement.
Do I need to call the fire department before lighting?
No notification required for recreational fires under NCFC §307.4.2. But during a burn ban (check ncforestservice.gov or 919-856-6340) all recreational fires must cease.
What if my neighbor's fire keeps blowing smoke into my yard?
Under NCFC §307.3 the Fire Code Official can order any fire extinguished if it creates objectionable odors or smoke. Call Raleigh Fire Prevention (919-996-6392) or Wake County Fire Marshal (919-856-6340) — they'll dispatch and assess.
Raleigh FAQ
Can I have a fire pit in my Raleigh backyard?
Yes, in an approved container, at least 15 feet from structures and property lines, with fuel limited to clean seasoned firewood. An adult must attend the fire and have water or a fire extinguisher on hand until it is fully extinguished.
Can I burn my leaves in Raleigh?
Generally no inside the city limits - the city provides yard-waste carts and seasonal loose-leaf pickup. Any leaf burning requires an NC Forest Service permit, must occur during daytime hours only, and is entirely prohibited during burn bans.
Who do I call about a neighbor's out-of-control fire?
Call 911. The Raleigh Fire Department will respond and may extinguish the fire and issue a citation if it violates setbacks, container rules, fuel-type rules, or burn-ban status. Property owners can also be billed for suppression costs.
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