The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality reminded residents and businesses on Mar. 9 that burning trash, metal, plastic, and other man-made materials outdoors is illegal under state law.
This reminder comes as many people choose to burn debris during the spring season. The department said open burning harms the environment, poses health risks, and can result in significant fines for violators. “If it doesn’t grow, don’t burn it,” the agency said in its statement.
Open burning refers to any outdoor fire that releases smoke and pollution directly into the air, including from burn piles or barrels. Only vegetative materials such as leaves, limbs, and yard debris may be burned legally in limited circumstances. The open burning rule—North Carolina’s oldest air quality regulation—restricts what can be burned outdoors and when. For example, residential yard waste and commercial land clearing burns are only allowed between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., with no new vegetation added after 6 p.m., and only when air quality forecasts are Code Green or Code Yellow.
Additional requirements include that yard waste must originate from a private residence and be burned on-site; public pickup must not be available for legal burning to occur; campfires and bonfires are permitted if only vegetation like firewood is used; fires must never be left unattended; and commercial land clearing burns have specific distance requirements from structures and roads. Violations can result in fines up to $25,000 per day per violation.
Careless debris burning is cited as the leading cause of wildfires in North Carolina. The North Carolina Forest Service may require an open burning permit before certain fires are started, especially in protected areas. Burn permits are available through the Forest Service’s online application or local offices.
Local governments may enforce stricter rules than state law regarding outdoor burning. Exceptions exist for special burns such as firefighter training exercises or prescribed burns. More information about these regulations is available on DEQ’s Open Burning website.
According to the official website, the Department of Environmental Quality supports public education and environmental compliance to foster community awareness across North Carolina. The department aims to deliver science-based stewardship promoting health and prosperity for all residents according to its official site. Its regulatory authority covers air, land, water, and coastal environments throughout the state according to the agency. Services provided include air quality regulation, permit issuance, environmental law enforcement, waste management, and water resource oversight according to its official website. The department serves as a state agency focused on protecting natural resources according to its official site with its central office located at 217 West Jones Street in Raleigh according to DEQ.
The department encourages anyone needing information in Spanish or another language to call 919-707-8446 or email Shawn.Taylor@deq.nc.gov.
