Smoke from open burning can cause serious health problems and pollute the air. That's why the state regulates open burning. Only leaves, branches or other plant growth can be burned.
It's illegal to burn:
Homeowners can burn yard trimmings (excluding logs and stumps) if allowable under local ordinances, no public pickup is available, and it doesn't cause a public nuisance. Other allowable burning includes campfires, outdoor barbeques, and bonfires for festive occasions. Landowners can also open burn vegetation to clear land or rights-of-way, provided that:
Remember, burn permits issued by the NC Forest Service or any local government do not excuse a person from following these rules. For more information, contact your Air Quality Regional Supervisor or County Forest Ranger.
- Above information obtained from the North Carolina Forestry Service website, (http://www.ncforestservice.gov/burn_permits/burn_airregs.htm)