Knowing what to burn and what not to burn is important to help keep our enviroment clean and to prevent the air from being polluted with harmful chemicals.First adopted in 1971, North Carolina's "Open Burning Rule" has been one of its oldest air quality rules and sets conditions for allowable fires while regulating outdoor burnings. 

Open Burnings are limited because the smoke that emits from them makes the air difficult to breathe for others. Some of the health risks from inhaling such smoke includes (but not limited to): coughing, dizziness, eye and lung irritaiton, headaches, asthma attacks, etc. The phrase "If It Doesn't Grow, Don't Burn It" is help you remember  that only leaves, branches and other plant growth are  the only things that can be burned IF organic waste is not picked up in your area. Anything else that is not organic material is illegal to burn can end up with more than $25,000 fine for each offense depending on severity.

Below, is the link that will connect you to the official Emergency Management page that has additional information on burning bans and forms.

Pender County Emergency Management Open Burning Page