Burning Permit Requirements

In the State of North Carolina Prescribed Burning or Controlled Burning is legal under certain circumstances and as long as it is safely conducted.

You can be fined up to $25,000 for illegal open burning in N.C.

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:

• Garbage, paper and cardboard
• Tires and other rubber products
• Building materials, including lumber Wire, plastics and synthetic materials
• Asphalt shingles and heavy oils
• Paints, household and agricultural chemicals

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:

• Prevailing winds are away from built up areas and roads.
• Fires are at least 500 feet away from occupied buildings.
• Burning is done between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Remember, burn permits issued by the NC Forest Service or any local government do not excuse a person from following these rules.

Burning Permits in the Cypress Pointe Fire/Rescue District

All Cypress Pointe Fire Stations can write burning permits for the burning of yard debris as long as the above conditions are met. Permits for land clearing must be obtained through the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Air Quality Division.

In the City limits of Vass - Open Burning is only permitted from November through April.

In the Woodlake Community - Open Burning is not permitted anytime.

In all other areas of our district burning is permitted year round as long as the above requirements are met.

If you have questions about open burning or control burns please feel free to contact us with your questions.