Some people think it's okay to burn trash in barrels because they've always done it that way. It's not. Others think it is okay to demolish and burn old buildings. It's not.

The NC Division of Air Quality (DAQ) enforces the state open burning rules and many local governments have additional restrictions on outdoor fires. In Duplin County, the county Fire Marshal and Solid Waste Enforcement officer commonly cite offenders based on both criminal and civil ordinances restricting open burning. Violating these rules can be expensive- with fines as high as $10,000 for serious cases or repeat violations. Substantial fines are assessed, even for minor or first-time violations.

The basic message of the state open-burning rule is simple. Only leaves, branches and other plant growth can be burned – nothing else . That means no trash, lumber, tires or old newspapers. If local curbside pickup is available, as in the municipalities – you can't burn leaves and branches. Do not burn:

•  Garbage, paper and cardboard;

•  Tires and other rubber products;

•  Building materials, including lumber and wood scraps;

•  Wire, plastics and synthetic materials;

•  Asphalt shingles and heavy oils;

•  Paints, household and agricultural chemicals.

What's allowed under the law? Homeowners can burn yard trimmings – excluding logs and stumps over 6 inches in diameter – if the following conditions are met:

•  The material burned originates on the premises of private residences and is burned on those premises ;

•  The location of the burning shall be at least 1000 feet from any other dwelling located in a predominantly residential area;

•  Non-vegetative materials, such as household garbage, tires, or other manmade materials are not burned;

•  The burning is started no earlier than 8:00 AM and no additional combustible material is added to the fire between 6:00 PM on one day and 8:00 AM on the following day;

•  The burning does not create a nuisance;

•  And material is not burned when the Division of Forest Resources has banned burning for that area.

Open burning that is more than 100 feet from your home and within 500 feet of woodland normally requires a permit from the NC Division of Forest Resources. Plan ahead, check with local officials before you burn.

Duplin County Solid Waste 910/289-3091
Duplin County Fire Marshall 910/296-2160
NC Forest Service 910/289-2735