North Carolina Open Burning Rules and Air Quality Restrictions

Under 15A NCAC 02D .1900 (DEQ Open Burning Rule) and G.S. 113-60.21 et seq., open burning is generally prohibited except for specific allowable fires including leaves and yard debris on the property of origin, campfires for cooking or warmth, and agricultural burning. G.S. 113-60.23 requires a permit from the NC Forest Service for any open burning within 500 feet of woodland between October 1 and May 31. Burning of trash, building materials, tires, plastics, or treated wood is prohibited statewide regardless of local rules.

Burning without a required permit or burning prohibited materials is a Class 3 misdemeanor under G.S. 113-60.27. DEQ may also assess civil penalties up to $10,000 per day under G.S. 143-215.114A for violations of air quality rules. Liability for escaped fires falls on the responsible party.