Outdoor burning rules in Mecklenburg County, NC — also called the burn ban, open burning, or fire restriction ordinance — set when you can burn yard waste, debris, or run a recreational fire.
Outdoor burning in Mecklenburg County is heavily restricted. Under NC Air Quality rules and the Mecklenburg County Air Pollution Control Ordinance, open burning of leaves, yard waste, and trash is largely prohibited. Allowed burns must start after 8 AM and be extinguished by 6 PM (NC 4 PM burn rule applies on NC Forest Service land).
Mecklenburg County is a designated air-quality nonattainment area, and LUESA Air Quality enforces 15A NCAC 2D .1903 with additional local provisions. Burning of leaves, yard trimmings, logs, and stumps is prohibited within incorporated areas and within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. The NC Forest Service 4 PM burning rule (NCGS 106-942) requires open burns on forested land be ignited no earlier than sunrise and extinguished by the time the sun goes down on forested lots, with the specific prohibition on igniting or adding fuel between 4 PM and the following morning. Burn permits are required from the NC Forest Service. During Code Orange or Red air days, all open burning is banned.
Violations of the county Air Pollution Control Ordinance carry civil penalties up to $10,000 per day per violation. NC Forest Service can charge violators for suppression costs if a fire escapes.
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See how Mecklenburg County's outdoor burning rules stack up against other locations.
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