Jump To:
Fire Pits and Open Burning
Can I have a fire pit or burn openly?
It is illegal to burn trash or debris in the City of Raleigh. The only types of fires that are permitted are fires used for heating or cooking. These allowable fires cannot exceed three feet in height or two feet in diameter.
The North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources prohibits the burning of leaves or yard debris where curbside collection is available. The City of Raleigh offers curbside collection of yard waste.
Read more about Fire Pits and Open Burning Safety.
Home Fire Safety
Can I grill on my patio?
From the 2018 Fire Prevention Code: 308.1.4: Open-flame cooking devices: Charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices shall not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet (3048 mm) of combustible construction.
Exceptions:
- One- and two-family dwellings.
- Where buildings, balconies and decks are protected by an automatic sprinkler system.
- Liquefied-petroleum-gas-fueled cooking devices. LP-gas burners having an LP-gas container with a water capacity not greater than 2.5 pounds [nominal 1 pound (0.454 kg) LP-gas capacity]
Can I have a portable outdoor fireplace?
307.4.3 Portables outdoor fireplaces:
Portable outdoor fireplaces shall be used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and shall not be operated within 15 feet (3048) of a structure or combustible material.
*Exception: Portable outdoor fireplaces used at private residential one- and two-family dwellings.
How can I learn more about home fire safety issues?
Please visit our Fire Safety Tips web page.
How can insurance companies get information for my homeowner's policy?
View directions on how to find the insurance class for property.
How can I dispose of household generated hazardous materials?
Household hazardous waste can adversely affect everyone's quality of life. That's why it is important to properly dispose of these items. Wake County operates permanent collection centers on a year-round basis for all Wake County residents to drop off hazardous materials.
Inspections and Permits
How can I get a copy of a fire report?
The City of Raleigh Fire Department provides inspection and incident reports available for free online.
How can I request a fire inspection? (e.g. day care, group home)
Who is doing my fire protection inspection for new construction-related permitted job?
See New Construction - Fire Inspections
How can I obtain a permit for using pyrotechnics?
You can obtain a pyrotechnics permit and site inspection from the City of Raleigh Office of the Fire Marshal. For more information, visit Permits Applications, Packets, and Forms.
Fire Education and Events
From left to right: Hudson and Parker Prentice check out firefighter's mask during a follow up visit to the fire station.
How do I request an RFD education event or community engagement event?
Request a Fire Education Event (fire station tours, home safety checks, workplace safety presentations, fire extinguisher training, etc.)
Request Raleigh Fire at a Community Event (festival/fairs, partnerships, parade requests, and fire truck requests)
Compliance
What fire code does Raleigh use and how can I obtain a copy?
The City of Raleigh enforces the International Fire Code with amendments through the NC Building Code Council. To view the fire code, visit the NC Department of Insurance Office of State Fire Marshal website.
How many fire extinguishers are required for my building?
Generally speaking all commercial buildings in the City of Raleigh (including multi-family apartments) are required to have a minimum 2A10BC fire extinguisher(s) within 75 feet of all points of the building. Also one 2A10BC extinguisher can only serve a maximum 3000 square foot area. There are also other operations and buildings that will have different requirements. If you would like assistance please complete our Fire Watch Request form.
How often am I required to conduct a fire drill?
North Carolina State Fire Code: Frequency-Required emergency evacuation drills shall be held at intervals specified in the table below or more frequently where necessary to familiarize all occupants with the drill procedure.
| Group Occupancy | Frequency | Participation |
|---|---|---|
| Group Assembly | Quarterly | Employees |
| Group Educational | Monthly* | All Occupants |
| Group Institutional | Quarterly on each shift | Employees** |
| Group R-1 (Hotel/Motel) | Quarterly on each shift | Employees |
| Group R-4 (Residential) | Quarterly on each shift | Employees** |
*The frequency shall be allowed to be modified in accordance with Section 408.3.2
**Fire and evacuation drills in residential care assisted living facilities shall include complete evacuation of the premises in accordance with Section 408.10.5. Where occupants received habilitation or rehabilitation training, fire prevention and fire safety practices shall be included as part of the training program.