What does open burn mean?
Open burning refers to different types of controlled outdoor fires, such as small residential fires to burn yard waste or commercial land-clearing fires
The burning of vegetation or wood only, in an enclosed fire pit, backyard fireplace, or grill used for smoking meats, is permitted within Sims town limits and ETJ, and not considered an open burn.
Burn barrels/drums, open pits, or directly on the ground are considered open burning and prohibited within Town limits.
Town of Sims Open Burn Regulations
The Town of Sims Code of Ordinances prohibits all open burning within the corporate limits of the Town of Sims.
Within the ETJ, opening burning is permissible only when it meets the following:
Must be at least 1,000 feet from other dwellings (except structures on your own property)
Winds must blow away from built-up areas
Burn clean vegetative material only (no oils, asphaltic materials, paper, rubber, or other non-plant items, including cardboard and paper)
Start burns generally between 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; no adding material after 3:00 p.m.
Fires must be attended at all times
Burning any trash is illegal in North Carolina and can harm public health and the environment.
Illegal to burn: trash/refuse, plastic, metal, treated or painted wood, rubber/tires, newspaper/cardboard/paper, heavy oils, paints/household/agricultural chemicals, furniture, construction debris, household waste, or any man made materials.
State Reminders:
Burning is only allowed on Code Green/Yellow air quality days and is prohibited on Code Orange/Red/Purple days. Residents should check the county air quality forecast through the state’s Air Quality Portal.
Additionally, yard waste must come from your own property and burned on that site.
Violations can carry civil penalties up to $25,000 per violation per day (state enforcement).
Fire department Training Burns
Fire department agencies may conduct controlled burns of structures for training only with required approvals, including:
A written request to the Town Administrator for approval
Evidence of State of North Carolina approval
Written notice to adjoining property owners at least 7 days before the burn
The N.C. Forest Service may require a burn permit and burn bans may apply. When in doubt, don’t burn—use proper disposal options.
If you see someone burning trash, call 911.
To file a complaint, please complete this form and submit to Town Hall.
For the full Open Burning Town of Sims Ordinance, click here.
Visit NCDEQ’s Website for more information regarding Open Burning.
We appreciate your cooperation in keeping Sims safe!