Open burning of trash, metal, plastic, and other man-made materials harms the environment, poses a public health risk, and is against state law.
The state’s open burning rule limits what can be burned outdoors and when:
- Yard waste and commercial land-clearing debris may be burned only from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. No new vegetation may be added after 6 p.m.
- Burning is allowed only when the air quality forecast is Code Green or Yellow. Check the Air Quality Portal before burning.
- Yard waste must come from the private residence where it is burned.
- Yard waste burning is allowed only when permitted by local ordinances and when public yard-debris pickup is unavailable.
The N.C. Forest Service may require permits for certain fires. Permits are available through the Forest Service’s online application or local county offices. The Division of Air Quality does not issue burn permits.