This news item expired on Friday, August 4, 2023 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
The Buncombe County Fire Marshal’s office is proposing changes to Buncombe’s fire prevention ordinance that will align with standards set by the state of North Carolina.
The ordinance has not been updated since 2007 and serves to safeguard and meet our mission of preventing loss of life and preserving property from fire loss. The most impactful part of the proposed ordinance changes is that ALL outdoor burning must be constantly attended. This is in the best interest of life safety and property preservation. This includes ALL land clearing burns.
Click below to see more information about proposed revisions and updates. The Board of Commissioners is set to vote on these recommendations at their regular meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 1.
Did you know?
- What is allowable? It has always been a violation of the Air Quality ordinance to burn synthetics, paper, trash, plastics, and any unnatural material. Find more information here.
- Permits have always been required for bonfires, large recreational fires, and fire displays for entertainment purposes that are uncontained. Where State or Federal laws apply, approval must be obtained from the proper agency.
- Extinguishment: When an illegal or dangerous fire is reported, a responding fire department will have the authority to extinguish the fire. Asheville-Buncombe Air Quality Agency and/or the Fire Marshal’s office are then notified for for investigation and remediation.
- Recreational fires at a 1-or 2-family residence: This covers fire pits and approved outdoor burning devices. These types of fires are perfectly legal as long as the material being used as fuel is natural or the device is manufactured for use with propane or other fossil fuel.
- The most impactful part of the proposed ordinance changes is that ALL outdoor burning must be constantly attended. This is in the best interest of life safety and property preservation. This includes ALL land clearing burns.