N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources
 Welcome to the North Carolina Division of Air Quality
Compliance & Enforcement >> Open Burning

Session Law 2011-394 - Amend Environmental Laws 2011
DAQ will follow Session Law 2011-394, specifically the 500 foot setback, and will continue to modify our web content.
The Open Burning Rule is one of North Carolina's oldest air quality regulations, first adopted in 1971. The rule prohibits most outdoor burning and sets conditions for allowable fires. Under the rule, it is always illegal to burn trash and other non-vegetative materials. Leaves, branches and other plant growth can be burned under certain conditions. Violators can be fined up to $25,000 or more.
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Press Releases

News about open burning.

Publications and Other Information
View or download brochures, fact sheets, presentations, and other information about North Carolina's Open Burning Rule.
Burning Questions
View a list of questions and answers about open burning and associated policies in North Carolina.
Regulations [PDF] [Text]
View the contents of North Carolina's Open Burning Rule (15 NCAC 2D .1900).
Setback Waivers
Download and submit forms to the DAQ for consideration to burn land clearing debris within 500 feet of occupied dwellings.
Firefighter Information
Download fire training forms and other fire department related information.
Toll-Free Open Burning Hotline
1-877 OPEN BURN (1-877-673-6287)
 

 Click for Photo Examples of Illegal Open Burning

Additional Links
Follow this link to find more information on open burning from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, North Carolina Forest Service, and N.C. Division of Pollution Prevention & Environmental Assistance. EPA has much information on the health and environmental effects of smoke from open burning. Forest Resources issues burn permits and fire danger alerts.

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Last Modified: Thu November 17 15:27:00 2011
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