Burning off and fires (2024)

FAQs

Can I burn in NC today? ›

Open Burning Rules

Residential yard waste and commercial land clearing burning can only occur between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. (No new vegetation can be added to a burn pile after 6 p.m.). Also, burning is only allowed when the air quality forecast is Code Green or Code Yellow.

GET A PERMIT.

A permit is required from the Tennessee Division of Forestry between October 15 to May 15 where local restrictions do not supercede. Notify your local fire department and neighbors to let them know your plans to burn. Do not burn on windy days.

Burn offs are intentionally ignited fires by a member of the public for the reduction of vegetation or stubble, usually as part of farming practices. Individuals conducting a burn off need the appropriate local council permits.

Currently, there are no active burn bans in the State of Tennessee.

The rule prohibits much 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.

(c) It is unlawful for any person to willfully burn any debris, stumps, brush or other flammable materials resulting from ground clearing activities and involving more than five contiguous acres, regardless of the proximity of the burning to woodland and on which such materials are placed in piles or windrows without ...

No permit is required for store-bought fire pits when they are used in your backyard and constantly attended while in use. A permit is required for campfires and bonfires. Apply for a burn permit.

If you want to know for sure, it is best to call the local city/county fire department to determine if a local ban is still in place.

Permits are available for burning leaf and/or brush piles and for prescribed fires, including broadcast burning for various purposes such as land clearing, forestry, and agricultural applications. Individuals with limited internet access may obtain a permit by calling 877-350-BURN (2876).

Make sure children and pets are supervised near the fire. Never leave your campfire unattended.

What are the 3 things for burning? ›

The fire triangle is a simple model that explains what elements need to be present for a fire to ignite and burn. It consists of three elements: heat, fuel, and oxygen. Without either of these three, a fire cannot start or sustain itself.

It's tempting to let a mostly burned down fire burn itself out, but don't. Be safe and ensure it is fully extinguished before leaving it. NOTE: Most manufactured fire pits offer specific instructions for extinguishing a fire. Review the instructions before it's time to put out your fire.

(a) It is unlawful for any person who originates or uses an open fire to leave such fire unattended without totally extinguishing the same within one hundred fifty feet (150') of forest or woodlands or within one hundred fifty feet (150') of other inflammable material, the setting fire to which inflammable material ...

It may be okay to burn leaves, branches, tree limbs, twigs, lawn clippings, woody vegetation, yard trimmings, clean unpainted, uncoated wood or untreated lumber. Check your local and/or other state ordinances. Improper out-door burning can lead to fines up to $25,000.

Your permit will only be good for the day you call in (if burning the next day you will need a new permit). Burning must be completed before dark (unless authorized by Chief) only exceptions would be a small campfire. Burning must be at least 75' from any structure or woodland.

You cannot burn: treated wood, cardboard, paper, shingles or siding, wire, tires, insulation, plastic, oil, etc.

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission conducts prescribed fires on its game lands to help restore and maintain wildlife habitat. A prescribed fire is an intentional burning of vegetation conducted under strict and specific circ*mstances.

Generally, the term “open burning” (or “outdoor burning”) is defined as the incineration of combustible materials where the products of combustion are emitted into the open air without passing through a chimney or stack.