There are a lot of misunderstandings about open-air burning in North Carolina.
Some people think it's OK to burn trash in barrels because they've always done it that way.
Others thinks it's always OK to burn leaves and branches in the fall. But that's not so in cities and counties that pick up yard waste. Substantial fines are assessed, even for minor or first-time violations. That means no trash, lumber, tires or old newspapers. If local pickup is available, you can't burn even leaves and branches.