Matthews, NC Fire Regulations: Wildfire Zones (2026)

Debris Burning Check for any burning bans or fire restrictions that may be in effect for your area. Some communities allow burning only during specified hours while others forbid it entirely. Make sure to get a valid burn permit. Contact your NCFS county ranger's office for the names and locations of the nearest local permitting agent or use our online burning permit system. Keep an eye on the weather. Don't burn on dry, windy days. Consider alternatives to burning. Some types of vegetative debris, such as leaves, grass and stubble, may be of more value if used for compost. It is always illegal to burn household trash or anything other than vegetative matter. Burning Agriculture Residue and Forestland Litter Be fully prepared before burning off your field or garden spot. To control the fire, you will need a water source, bucket, a steel rake and a shovel for tossing dirt on the fire. If possible, a fire line should be plowed around the area to be burned. Large fields should be separated into small plots for burning one at a time. Never leave your fire unattended. Fireworks Do not use fireworks such as ground spinners, firecrackers, round spinners, Roman candles, bottle rockets and mortars, which are illegal in North Carolina. Wildfires caused by fireworks can be prosecuted under the forest protection laws of North Carolina, and individuals may be subject to reimbursing the costs for fire suppression. Burn Bans Check for any current local and state burn bans that may restrict outdoor burning. Contact your fire department or NCFS county ranger's office to make sure you are not violating any open burning regulations.