Outdoor burning rules in Winston-Salem, 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.
Open burning inside Winston-Salem city limits is largely prohibited. NC Air Quality rules (15A NCAC 02D .1903) and the NC 4 PM burning rule also apply: even where permitted, fires may only be started between 6 PM and 8 AM, and no burning is allowed after 4 PM outside that window.
Forsyth County is a developed air-quality region, and Winston-Salem Code of Ordinances Chapter 26 generally bans open burning of leaves, yard waste, and construction debris within city limits. Residents must use curbside yard-waste collection. Limited exceptions exist for land-clearing fires outside city limits with a NC Forest Service permit, and for small recreational cooking fires. Statewide, the NC 4 PM Rule (NCGS 106-943 and NC Forest Service regulations) prohibits open burning within 100 feet of woodland between 4 PM and 6 PM during fire season; burning must be fully extinguished before leaving. Burning trash, tires, shingles, painted wood, or treated lumber is banned statewide under 15A NCAC 02D .1903, with no local waiver available.
Illegal open burning: civil penalty up to $10,000 per day under NC DEQ rules; city fines under Chapter 26 typically $100 to $500. Escaped fires: cost recovery and potential criminal charges under NCGS 14-136.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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