Cumberland County, NC Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Cumberland County, NC, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Campfires
- Legal, no permit
- Recreational fire size
- 3 ft wide, 2 ft high
- Clearance from structures
- At least 25 feet
- Allowed fuel
- Clean wood only
- Bonfire (over 3 ft)
- Permit + 50 ft clearance
Summary
Campfires and small recreational cooking or warmth fires are legal statewide as long as they burn only clean wood, cause no nuisance, and stay at least 25 feet from structures. Burning yard waste or trash in a backyard fire is not allowed.
camp fires and fires used solely for outdoor cooking and other recreational purposes, or for ceremonial occasions, or for human warmth and comfort and which do not create a nuisance and do not use synthetic materials or refuse or salvageable materials for fuel;
Full Breakdown
State rule 15A NCAC 02D .1903(b)(3) exempts campfires and fires used solely for outdoor cooking, recreation, ceremony, or warmth from open-burning permits, provided they create no nuisance and burn no synthetic materials, refuse, or salvageable materials. The Fayetteville Fire Department and Cumberland County Fire Marshal apply the North Carolina Fire Prevention Code: a recreational fire is 3 feet or less across and 2 feet or less high and must stay at least 25 feet from combustible structures. Larger ceremonial bonfires over that size require a fire-code permit and a 50-foot clearance.
Violations & Fines
Fires that become a nuisance, burn prohibited materials, or exceed size limits without a permit can be extinguished and cited by the fire marshal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are backyard campfires legal in Cumberland County?
How far must a backyard fire be from my house?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cumberland County
How Cumberland County compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Cumberland County to another location·View the North Carolina fire regulations overview
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