North Carolina Statewide Rule
North Carolina Open Burning Rules and Air Quality Restrictions
Key Facts
- Permit Authority
- NC Forest Service
- Permit Hours
- Midnight to 4 PM near woodland
- Air Quality Rule
- 15A NCAC 02D .1900
- Prohibited Materials
- Trash, tires, plastics
Summary
North Carolina regulates open burning statewide through Department of Environmental Quality air rules and Forest Service permit requirements that apply uniformly across all jurisdictions.
(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to start or cause to be started any fire or ignite any material in any woodland under the protection of the Department or within 500 feet of any such woodland during the hours starting at midnight and ending at 4:00 P.M. without first obtaining a permit from the Department. Permits may be obtained from forest rangers or other agents authorized by the forest ranger to issue such permits in the county in which the fire is to be started. Such permits shall be issued by the ranger or other agent unless permits for the area in question have been prohibited or cancelled under G.S. 106-944 or G.S. 106-946.
Full Breakdown
Under 15A NCAC 02D .1900 (DEQ Open Burning Rule) and G.S. 106-940 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. In the roughly 19 designated high-hazard coastal counties, G.S. 106-942 requires an NC Forest Service permit for open burning in or within 500 feet of woodland. In all other counties, G.S. 106-943 requires a permit to start a fire in or within 500 feet of woodland between midnight and 4:00 PM. Burning of trash, building materials, tires, plastics, or treated wood is prohibited statewide regardless of local rules.
Violations & Penalties
Burning without a required permit or burning prohibited materials is a Class 3 misdemeanor under G.S. 106-948. DEQ may also assess civil penalties up to $10,000 per day under G.S. 143-215.114A for air quality violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to burn leaves in my backyard?
Can I burn construction debris on my own property?
Sources
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