It is strictly regulated.
Open burning in North Carolina is permitted only under stringent conditions outlined by the NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and local air quality agencies. State law generally prohibits open burning except for specific exemptions, such as agricultural, silvicultural, or land-clearing activities, which require prior approval from the NC Division of Air Quality (DAQ). Violations may result in fines up to $25,000 per day under the federal Clean Air Act. Local ordinances, particularly in the Triad and Triangle regions, often impose additional restrictions to address ozone nonattainment areas. Compliance with the 2026 federal ozone standards may further tighten permissible burn windows.
Key Regulations for Open Burning in North Carolina
- Permit Requirements: All open burning must secure a permit from the NC DAQ, except for recreational fires under 2 feet in diameter. Agricultural burns require site-specific approvals, with buffers of at least 500 feet from occupied structures.
- Prohibited Materials: Burning household trash, tires, treated wood, or construction debris is illegal statewide. The DEQ enforces these bans under 15A NCAC 02D .1900, with penalties escalating for repeat offenders.
- Seasonal Restrictions: Burning is banned during ozone action days in 48 counties, including Mecklenburg and Wake, as designated by the DEQ’s Air Quality Forecast Center. Local air quality alerts may impose additional moratoriums.