Open Burning Resources for Teachers & Students
Open Burning Education
The Open Burning Rule is one of North Carolina's oldest air quality regulations, first adopted in 1971. The rule prohibits most outdoor burning and sets conditions for allowable fires. Under the rule, it is always illegal to burn trash and other non-vegetative materials. Leaves, branches and other plant growth can be burned under certain conditions. Violators can be fined up to $25,000 or more.
We need your help to keep our air clean and healthy for everyone! Use the link on this page to download our curriculum and activity guide from N.C. Air Awareness. Please consider using these activities in your classroom. The three activities in this curriculum all fit with the North Carolina essential standards, and are a great way to get your students involved in environmental issues.
Publications & Resources
- Breathe ... Don't Burn! (Brochure) / (Español) You can be fined up to $25,000 for illegal open burning in North Carolina. See details in this DAQ brochure.
- Breathe ... Don't Burn! (Flyer)
- Breathe ... Don't Burn! (Guidesheet)
- How Smoke from Fires Can Affect Your Health (EPA)
- Illegal Burning (Flyer)
- Land Clearers (Flyer)
- Agency Complaint Referral Form / (.doc)
- Open Burning in North Carolina Presentation (.ppt)
- The Hidden Hazards of Backyard Burning
- Open burning coloring sheet for children
OBOT (Open Burning Outreach Team)
The Open Burning Outreach Team (OBOT) works to spread a simple message; burning man made trash is dangerous, produces unhealthy air pollution, and is illegal.