Cary, NC Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)

No person shall cause, suffer, allow or permit open burning of refuse or other combustible material except as may be allowed in compliance with this section. Furthermore, the town of Cary burning permit must remain on the premises during the hours of burning.

(d)   Permissible open burning with required permit. While recognizing that open burning contributes to air pollution, certain types of open burning may reasonably be allowed in the public interest. The authority to conduct open burning under the provision of this section does not exempt or excuse a person from the consequences, damages or injuries which may result from such conduct nor does it excuse or exempt any person from complying with all applicable laws, ordinances, regulations, and orders of other governmental entities having jurisdiction even though the open burning is conducted in compliance with this section. The following types of burning are permissible with a town of Cary burning permit:

(1)   Fires purposely set to agricultural lands for disease and pest control and other accepted agricultural or wildlife management practices.

(2)   Fires purposely set to forest lands for accepted forest management practices.

(3)   Fires purposely set in rural areas for rights-of-way maintenance.

(4)   Camp fires and fires used solely for outdoor cooking and other recreational purposes or for ceremonial occasions or human warmth and comfort.