CARTERET COUNTY, N.C. (February 28, 2025) – With spring just around the corner and residents preparing to clean up their yards, the Carteret County Fire Marshal’s Office is reminding the public to prioritize safety and follow state regulations when conducting open burning.

Outdoor burning of residential yard waste is permitted in North Carolina between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., with no new vegetation allowed to be added to burn piles after 6 p.m. However, local ordinances in incorporated areas like cities and towns may impose additional restrictions. Residents are urged to check with their town hall for specific regulations and to verify whether public yard debris pickup is available, as burning is only allowed when such services are not provided.

Spring conditions, including dry grass, weeds, and leaves, can increase the risk of wildfires. Gusty winds and low humidity can cause fires to spread rapidly, even if they initially appear under control. If a fire escapes, residents should contact their local fire department immediately.

“Burning during the spring can be extremely risky due to the abundance of dry vegetation and unpredictable weather conditions,” said Carteret County Fire Marshal Eddie Lewis. “We encourage everyone to take precautions and follow safety guidelines to prevent wildfires and protect our community.”

The Fire Marshal’s Office offers the following safety tips for open burning: 

• Check weather conditions: Burning is only allowed when the air quality forecast is Code Green or Code Yellow. Burning on Code Orange, Red, or Purple days is prohibited. Monitor air quality at the Air Quality Portal.
• Be mindful of wind and humidity: Avoid burning during windy conditions or when humidity is very low. A relative humidity range of 30% to 60% is generally safe, with 40% being optimal.
• Burn only permissible materials: Only vegetative materials that originate on your property, such as leaves, branches, and yard waste, may be burned. Burning man-made materials like cardboard boxes, trash, furniture, or treated wood products is strictly prohibited by state law and can result in criminal and civil fines.
• Prepare for emergencies: Keep tools and water nearby, and never leave a fire unattended.
• Obtain a burn permit: Permits are required for most open burning and can be obtained online at ncforestservice.gov/burnpermit or through local N.C. Forest Service offices, the Carteret County Fire Marshal’s Office, or authorized county retailers. Note: Burning vegetative material within 100 feet of your residence does not require a permit.

Residents are also encouraged to be considerate of neighbors, as smoke can travel with the wind. For additional information on open burning regulations and safety tips, visit the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Open Burning website or contact the Carteret County Fire Marshal’s Office at 252-222-5841.

By following these guidelines, residents can help ensure a safe and enjoyable spring season while reducing the risk of wildfires in Carteret County.

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