Backyard recreational fires are allowed in Mecklenburg County for cooking, warmth, or ambiance if they use clean wood or gas, stay under 3 feet in diameter, are 25 feet from structures, and are constantly attended. Burning of yard waste is prohibited.
The Mecklenburg County Air Pollution Control Ordinance and NC Fire Code permit recreational fires such as campfires and chimineas. Materials allowed are limited to seasoned firewood, charcoal, and manufactured fire logs. Prohibited: leaves, brush, construction debris, trash, painted or treated wood. An adult must attend the fire with a water source or extinguisher until fully extinguished. Local fire departments may order fires extinguished during air quality action days or burn bans.
Civil penalties up to $10,000 per day for burning prohibited materials. Fire department can bill for response costs if the fire requires suppression.
See how Mecklenburg County's backyard fires rules stack up against other locations.
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