skip to main content | skip to footer
N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources

NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Air Quality - Open Burning

Air Quality

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.

DAQ will follow Session Law 2011-394, specifically the 500 foot setback, and will continue to modify our web content.  Session Law 2011-394 - Amend Environmental Laws 2011
Español

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

 

Teachers and Students

This section is for teachers and students to learn more about opening burning and the dangers to both enviornment and humans.  Click link above to access Teacher and Student page.  This page is also the location of lesson plans and a student research page assosiated with our "Breathe don't Burn Classroom Activities" kit.


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.
38310 FEEDBACK

Your input is valuable to us. Please send us your feedback.

What type of feedback would you like to send?*

Ask a Question Report a Problem Have a Concern Make a Comment

(If you would like us to respond please include your phone or e-mail.)

Your Question has been sent. Thank you!

An internal server error prevented Your Question from being sent.
Please try again later, or call Toll-Free (877) 623-6748 for immediate assistance.

Please complete all highlighted items

Your Problem has been sent. Thank you!

An internal server error prevented Your Question from being sent.
Please try again later, or call Toll-Free (877) 623-6748 for immediate assistance.

Please complete all highlighted items

Your Concern has been sent. Thank you!

An internal server error prevented Your Question from being sent.
Please try again later, or call Toll-Free (877) 623-6748 for immediate assistance.

Please complete all highlighted items

Your Comment has been sent. Thank you!

An internal server error prevented Your Question from being sent.
Please try again later, or call Toll-Free (877) 623-6748 for immediate assistance.

Please complete all highlighted items

*If you are a DENR employee with an I.T. issue, please submit a DOTS ticket.