Small backyard recreational and cooking fires are allowed in Winston-Salem if contained, attended, and fueled only by clean wood or approved fuel. Leaf burning and trash burning are prohibited inside city limits under Chapter 26 and NC air-quality rules.
Winston-Salem distinguishes recreational fires (warming, cooking, ceremonial) from open burning of waste. Recreational fires under 3 feet in diameter, on a noncombustible surface, at least 25 feet from structures, and attended by an adult with water are permitted without a permit. Gas grills, pellet grills, charcoal grills, and chimineas may be used on decks per manufacturer specs and any HOA rules. Burning yard waste, construction debris, household trash, or any material that creates dark or offensive smoke is prohibited by 15A NCAC 02D .1903 and the city code. WSFD may order any backyard fire extinguished if smoke creates a nuisance or during a burn ban. Neighbors complaining of smoke can call CityLink 311 to trigger an inspection.
Illegal burning: $100 to $500 city fine plus possible NC DEQ penalty. Repeated nuisance smoke: civil penalty escalates per day.
See how Winston-Salem's backyard fires rules stack up against other locations.
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