Is it legal to set that pile of leaves in your Charlotte yard on fire? Under one condition

Evan Moore
·2 min read

Most of the fall leaves that were once beautiful shades of red, orange and yellow are now scattered in piles in yards.

Homeowners can get rid of leaves by raking them, using leaf blower with a vacuum attachment to chew them up, or hire a removal service to haul them off.

But should you burn them?

Here’s what to know about burning leaves and the rules for recreational fires in Charlotte.

Is it legal to burn leaves in Charlotte?

Recreational fires cannot be used to burn leaves or any other kind of yard debris, according to the Charlotte Fire Department.

Open burning, or burning where smoke is emitted directly into the air, is prohibited in areas outside of Charlotte in Mecklenburg County where public pickup services are available, according to the Mecklenburg County Fire Marshal’s Office.

Burning leaves in a portable container is allowed as long as it is “constantly attended” and extinguishing equipment is readily available, and the fire is for recreational purposes, according to the Mecklenburg County Fire Marshal’s Office.

What are the rules for recreational fires in Charlotte?

Recreational fires can be used for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking or warming purposes, according to the Charlotte Fire Department.

Here are the rules for recreational fires in Charlotte:

  • Fires must be at least 25 feet from structures and other combustible materials

  • Fuel areas cannot be bigger than three feet in diameter or taller than two feet

  • Only solid fuels are allowed

  • Dry grass, leaves and other combustible materials must be cleared for a minimum of 10 feet around the fire area

  • Fires must be constantly attended by an adult

  • Portable fire extinguishers or garden hoses must be in place for immediate use

If a recreational fire produces smoke that is deemed harmful to nearby property owners, the Charlotte Fire Department can request that they be extinguished.

What else is illegal to burn in Charlotte?

The following items are illegal to burn under all circumstances, according to the Mecklenburg County Fire Marshal’s Office:

  • Tires

  • Rubber

  • Rubbish

  • Refuse

  • Paints

  • Paper

  • Cardboard

  • Building materials

  • Chemicals

  • Shingles

  • Oils

  • Synthetic items

You could be fined up to $25,000 for illegal open burning, according to the N.C. Forest Service.