North Carolina law prohibits most open burning because the smoke from outdoor fires can cause serious health problems and air pollution.  Backyard burning of trash is the largest source of highly toxic dioxin emissions.  Under the open burning rule, it is illegal to burn:

• Garbage, paper and cardboard
• Tires and other rubber products
• Building materials (including lumber)
• Wire, plastics and other synthetic materials
• Asphalt shingles and heavy oils
• Paints and household and agricultural chemicals
• Buildings and other structures
• Anything on days when the air quality forecast is Code Red or Orange

Homeowners can burn yard trimmings (excluding stumps and logs over six inches in diameter) if it is allowed under local ordinance, no public pickup is available and if it doesn't cause a public nuisance.

The minimum civil penalties for illegal burning are first offense $200.00, second offense $300.00 and subsequent offenses $500.00.

Under the North Carolina Open Burning Rule the North Carolina Division of Air Quality can assess fines as high as $10,000.00 per violation.