Magnolia Warns: Illegal burning could cost you $25K a day

MAGNOLIA — The Magnolia Police Department is cracking down on illegal burning, warning residents that violations of North Carolina’s open burning law could result in fines of up to $25,000 per day. Police Chief Jerry Wood announced stepped-up enforcement in response to a rise in local violations and repeated failure by some to comply with the law, stating, “It has to stop now.” Open burning of anything other than natural yard debris — like trash, plastic, or treated wood — not only violates N.C. Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) regulations, but also puts the health of neighbors at risk.

We have tried to give folks every opportunity to comply,” Chief Wood said. “But due to increased frequency and failure to heed previous warnings, we will be checking closely to ensure any open burning is in compliance.” He added that the burning of non-vegetative materials is especially harmful to those with respiratory issues or allergies. “If it doesn’t grow naturally, don’t burn it,” he emphasized.

The DEQ’s open burning rule allows only the burning of natural vegetation like leaves and limbs, and only under specific conditions. Burns must occur between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., and never on Code Orange or worse air quality days. Additionally, yard debris must originate from and be burned on the same property, and only if public yard debris pickup is not available.

Commercial land-clearing burns have additional restrictions. Fires must be at least 500 feet from homes and 250 feet from public roads when the wind is blowing toward them, and may only be ignited with approved fuels like kerosene or diesel.

While exceptions exist for campfires, outdoor cooking and firefighter training, officials urge all residents to think twice before lighting a fire. As Wood put it, “If it’s anything other than natural yard debris, it’s going to be a nuisance to the violator too — to the tune of $25,000 per violation, per day.”