Burn Ban/Open Burning

Pender County Burn Ban Status

  • There is currently NO BAN on Open Burning for the unincorporated areas of Pender County. All burning, of any kind, within 100 feet of a dwelling is prohibited.

When weather or other conditions make controlled burns dangerous, the North Carolina Forest Service or local authorities may enact a burn ban or burning restrictions.

Open Burning, Permits, & Regulation

View the N.C. Forest Service Burn Permit Application.

  • Open burning is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality and the North Carolina Forest Service depending upon the location and type of open burning.
  • For further information regarding the air quality regulations, contact the North Carolina Environmental Quality - Wilmington Office at 910-796-7215.

For further information regarding forest regulations, contact the North Carolina Forest Service - Pender County Ranger at 910-259-7251.

Illegal Burning

  • It is illegal to burn trash and non-vegetative materials in Pender County. Any person found to be burning illegal materials is subject to a civil citation of up to $500 per offense.

Further Info:

  1. North Carolina Environmental Quality Breathe Dont Burn Handout (PDF)
  2. North Carolina Environmental Quality Illegal Burning Handout (PDF)
  3. North Carolina Environmental Quality Illegal Burning Spanish Handout (PDF)
  4. North Carolina Environmental Quality Land Clearing Handout (PDF)

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