Johnston County, NC Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)

1903, as the source of that prohibition. 4 spells out what counts as illegal burning for enforcement purposes: burning solid waste, wire, tires and other rubber products, heavy oil, asphalt materials, building material, especially material containing asbestos, paint, agricultural chemicals, household chemicals, shingles, and asphalt or other petroleum products for the purpose of disposal. That reach goes well beyond a backyard trash fire; it covers construction debris and roofing material burned to avoid a landfill trip. The sheriff, the designated solid waste officer, and division personnel authorized under § 20-36(c) can issue a civil citation for a violation, and the county can also seek restitution for cleanup costs.

Because the underlying prohibition is a state air-quality standard incorporated by reference, the county ordinance does not carve out exceptions for agricultural burning or yard debris; anyone burning those materials for disposal is exposed to the same escalating civil penalties as someone burning construction waste.