CARTERET COUNTY, N.C. (March 20, 2025) – Effective Friday, March 21st, 2025, at 8:00 a.m., the Carteret County Fire Marshal’s Office prohibits all open burning across Carteret County, including within 100 feet of a dwelling. The ban applies to all open burning, regardless of whether a burning permit has been issued.

The open-burning ban is authorized by the Carteret County Fire Marshal’s Office to prevent the potential for increased wildfires due to extremely dry weather conditions in Carteret County.

The local burn ban follows an open burning ban issued for March 21, 2025, by the North Carolina Forest Service. Because of increased fire risk, the North Carolina Forest Service has banned all open burning and canceled all burning permits for Carteret County. The issuance of new burning permits has also been suspended.

Open burning includes burning leaves, branches and other plant material in addition to the use of recreational fires, bonfires, and outdoor fireplaces. The ban does not apply to cooking fires such as gas, pellet, charcoal grills, or outdoor cookers and smokers. In all cases, it is illegal to burn trash, lumber, tires, newspapers, plastics, or other non-vegetative materials.

The ban will remain in effect until further notice. Local fire departments and law enforcement agencies are assisting the Carteret County Fire Marshal’s Office and the North Carolina Forest Service with enforcing the ban, which carries a fine plus court costs for violations.

Questions about the local ban can be directed to Carteret County Emergency Services by calling (252) 222-5841. For more information about the North Carolina Forest Service’s open burning ban, visit http://ncforestservice.gov/ and click on the News page.

###