Matthews permits recreational backyard fires in approved containers only, with no burning of leaves or yard waste. Fires must stay small, attended, and 25 feet from buildings.
Recreational backyard fires in Matthews are regulated by the NC Fire Code adopted locally. Allowed: small wood fires in a metal pit, chiminea, or approved outdoor fireplace for warmth or cooking. Not allowed: burning yard waste, trash, construction debris, or any open pile fire. Fires must be 25 feet from structures (15 feet for portable fireplaces), under 3 feet across, attended by an adult, and extinguished before leaving. Matthews Fire-EMS responds to smoke complaints.
Non-compliant fires extinguished on-site with civil citation. Recurring nuisance smoke complaints may lead to abatement and fines.
See how other cities in Mecklenburg County handle backyard fires.
See how Matthews's backyard fires rules stack up against other locations.
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