Concord, NC Fire Regulations: Fire Pit Rules (2026)

Concord does not have a stand-alone fire-pit ordinance; recreational and cooking fires fall under the open-burning provisions of Code Sec. 34-4. Subsection (c)(2) permits open fires for cooking, heating, religious and ceremonial purposes provided three conditions are met: the fire is not composed in whole or substantial part of leaves or yard waste; it is contained in a campfire pit or a container no larger than a 55-gallon drum (or another device designed for such use); and the fuel is only naturally cut wood, charcoal, propane or natural gas, with no construction or building materials burned. The location and containment must comply with the state fire prevention code, and the emission of smoke and fumes must not irritate, annoy or constitute a nuisance to others. A purpose-built outdoor fire pit, chiminea or patio fireplace fits within this exception when used this way. A larger gathering fire is treated as a 'bonfire' under Sec. 34-4(c)(3), which requires a fire-department permit, uses only natural wood three inches or less in diameter, and is capped at five feet by five feet by five feet and three hours of burning. Approved grills and barbecues used for cooking are not regulated open burning. Temporary burn bans issued by the fire marshal or NC Forest Service can suspend recreational fires entirely.